Welcome to Prisoners Aid ACT Web Portal
What We Do
Download a general reference brochure of our organisation here PA General Info Brochure
Find our Easy English brochure here PA Easy English
Prisoners Aid has been operating as a community organisation in Canberra since 1963, more information about our history can be found here A History of Prisoners Aid. Over the years we have assisted thousands of clients, including detainees, released detainees, families of detainees, and those involved in the court system. Our key principles are based on natural justice and rehabilitation for detainees to reduce the risk of further offending.
Our twin objectives are to: ensure a ‘fair go’ for all those involved directly and indirectly in the prison system, including the families of detainees; and to enhance prospects for the rehabilitation of detainees and their reintegration into society.
Our offices are located in the ACT Courts building and in the AMC Visitor Entry Area. We have experienced staff and volunteers who are able to provide assistance to our clients.
Our Services
Prisoners Aid ACT supports people involved in the justice system — including detainees, families, and visitors — through practical assistance, emotional support, and safe connection to services.
Below is an overview of the support we provide.
Visitors
We support visitors to the AMC and ACT courts by providing:
- Information about visiting processes, court procedures, and relevant community services
- Emotional support and general guidance
- Assistance with transport to and from the AMC or ACT courts
- Financial assistance for interstate travel by ACT residents to visit detainees in other jurisdictions
- Financial support for interstate visitors travelling to Canberra to visit detainees
- Clothing and other practical items when needed
Families and Children
We assist the families and children of detainees and others affected by the justice system. Families are welcome to visit us at the AMC or ACT Magistrates Court at any time. We provide:
- Emotional support and information
- Practical items such as clothing, children's goods, and small gifts
- Assistance connecting with family support organisations such as Shine for Kids and Roundabout
- Support for children through our Participate Program, which helps enrol young people in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, music, public speaking, etc.) and can contribute to related expenses, subject to funding.
Detainees
We offer welfare and practical support to detainees at the AMC. Detainees can contact us at any time via whitelisted email, phone, or by requesting a visit. We can assist with:
- Help obtaining documents and ID (e.g., birth certificates, forms, white cards)
- Property collection from AFP Mitchell Holding Facility and secure storage during incarceration
- Sending or receiving documents and facilitating communication with other agencies
- Maintaining contact with family and friends (within legal limits)
- Raising welfare concerns through appropriate pathways
- General social and emotional support
Support After Release
We help individuals stabilise after release by providing:
- Essentials such as foodbank vouchers, bus tickets, essential cards, toiletries, and clothing
- Assistance accessing services including housing, employment support, rehabilitation, and community programs
- Use of phones, printing, and document support
- Short-term emotional support and referrals to ongoing services
- Seasonal support, including Christmas food hampers for individuals and families
Court Support
At the ACT Magistrates Court, we offer:
- Accompaniment and emotional support during proceedings
- Information about court processes and where to go
- Referrals to legal services
- Court support letters where appropriate
Transport & Outreach Support
When required, we can provide:
- Limited transport assistance for essential appointments and family visits
- Assistance with emergency transport to rehabilitation services
- Delivery of belongings to rehabilitation, accommodation services, or other locations
Get in Touch
To access support, visit our office at the ACT Magistrates Court, or contact us at:
For external agencies, please use our referral form.
Our Logo
Prisoners Aid aims at a 'fair go' for all those involved in the prison system, including the families of detainees and those in court facing imprisonment. Our new logo was inspired by a detainee in the Alexander Maconochie Centre who entered our competition for detainees to suggest new designs for a logo. The 'best entry' was chosen in June 2019 and a small prize awarded. After further work by our members, we believe that the new logo reflects the idea of helping those in need – the symbolic hands in the design – and the idea of growth by detainees in their return to society – represented by the leaves.
Prisoners Aid offers support to prisoners and their families in the ACT.
Handcoded with 
by Code.Sydney T/A Bluehex