Course overview

This engaging workshop empowers practitioners to support individuals with lived experience of the correctional system through a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach. Participants will develop practical skills to build client resilience, foster meaningful change, and promote successful community reintegration. Through reflective exercises, you’ll explore and challenge personal perceptions and biases, gaining insight into effective engagement with complex needs. The course also covers essential strategies for maintaining professional boundaries, discerning empathy from collusion, and applying psycho-educational programs to enhance client outcomes—equipping you to respond confidently and compassionately within this specialised field.

Who should attend

This workshop is ideal for professionals who:

• Work directly with individuals engaged in the correctional system
• Support families of people within correctional contexts
• Wish to strengthen their ability to apply a strengths-based, evidence-led approach

Course structure

By participating in this workshop, you will:

• Explore how personal assumptions impact work with correctional cohorts
• Develop strategies for applying strengths-based practice
• Learn how resilience-building approaches create capacity for change
• Understand the benefits of psycho-educational programs and models
• Recognise the challenges of working with complex clients and strategies to enhance motivation and engagement
• Distinguish empathy from collusion to ensure safe, professional practice

About the presenters

Lucille Hart is the Training Lead for Family Violence and Relationship Counselling at Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV). With qualifications in psychology, social science and meditation, Lucille has extensive experience in family violence, mental health, rehabilitation, and psycho-educational programs. She has substantial expertise in working with correctional cohorts and regularly provides training for government and community organisations.

Luke McCord is an experienced Program Facilitator who has spent over 12 years in government and private sectors, including 6 years with Youth Justice. He has worked extensively with correctional cohorts, leading rehabilitation and behaviour change programs within correctional facilities and the community. Luke also facilitates programs with the Support for Fathers team at RAV, engaging men and fathers through an approachable, practical style.

Enrolment and course access

When you register, you will be directed to our secure payment gateway. Once confirmed, a new account will be created for you in our Learning Management System (Moodle), where you can access course resources and participation details.

Please note:

• Registrations close 48 hours before the workshop
• Payment must be received at least 2 business days before the course
• If paying by invoice, proof of payment is required at least 24 hours prior

Technical requirements

To participate in the online workshop, you’ll need access to:

• A desktop or laptop computer
• Reliable internet connection
• Headphones (recommended)
• Microphone and speakers
• A built-in or external webcam

Contact us

For further details or questions, please contact our Centre for Learning and Innovation:

• Phone: (03) 8573 2222
• Email: [email protected]