Trauma Teddies introduced to Victorian prisons to comfort ‘distressed and vulnerable’ inmates

Prisoners are being given ‘Trauma Teddies’ to cuddle in their cells as part of a new program to provide support for ‘distressed and vulnerable’ prisoners in Victorian prisons.

The toys – typically used to comfort children suffering from illness and other painful experiences – have been approved by Corrections Victoria for use in prisons across the state.

The Ministry of Justice and Security did not answer questions about whether the bears were offered to prisoners serving sentences for crimes such as murder or rape.

Trauma Teddies for inmates come in two types: a “standard bear” and a “cultural bear” with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the toy’s feet.

There has been no public announcement about the introduction of Trauma Teddies, but their use was revealed in a recent issue of Victoria’s Corrections Weekly.

“Corrections Victoria, our health teams and our Yilam are very excited about this new prison-based initiative to better support our more distressed and vulnerable men and women in our prison system,” the newsletter read.

“We hope that Trauma Teddy will provide inmates with an extra level of comfort in times of need and help each inmate achieve better outcomes.”

Yilam refers to Corrections Victoria’s Cultural Integrity and Resilience Unit, formerly known as the Aboriginal Programs Unit.

The move has been met with derision on a Facebook page used by serving and retired correctional officers from across Australia.

“Oh to cry out loud, now what?” wrote a former officer. “Do employees also give hugs and cuddles?”

A second user said, “Is it traumatic to prisoners when their beloved teddy bear is searched for contraband???”

Other comments included ‘WTF? Bet the poor victims get sweet FA’, and: ‘Is it April 1 by any chance? Because this must be a joke’.

The bears can be issued if their use is deemed appropriate by a Risk Review Team (RRT) and documented in a risk management plan for each approved inmate.

If a cultural bear is to be provided, there should be consultation with Aboriginal Welfare Officers at Risk Review Team meetings and prisoner case conferences.

“There is an additional opportunity for Trauma Teddy to be used more widely throughout the system for inmates with dementia, acquired brain injury, severe trauma, etc.,” the newsletter said.

“Discussions about suitability for use should take place through the prison’s local Case Conferencing processes.”

Some online critics questioned why prison authorities had bothered to produce a Trauma teddy bear with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flags.

“I’m sorry, but why does there have to be a cultural bear?” one wrote. “It’s exactly the same, but with the flags.

Why should a “special” category be created. Or more to the point why only native/TSI. If you go down that road, where is the Muslim and the Jewish?

“The whole concept is ridiculous, but creating ‘two kinds’ is an outright joke.”

The stuffed animals, made from pre-approved materials already used in the prison system, are provided on a case-by-case basis after weighing individual risk.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice and Community Security said Corrections Victoria “takes the safety and welfare of staff and prisoners very seriously.”

“Trauma Teddies are a newly introduced sensory aid available to assist staff in supporting complex inmates who may pose a risk to themselves or others, including those with significant trauma and intellectual disability,” she said.

Corrections Victoria did not explain why there was a need for a cultural bear nearly identical to the standard bear.

Some Facebook users could benefit from providing Trauma Teddies to inmates with cognitive difficulties.

A health worker said using the toys could help staff deal with prisoners suffering from acquired brain injuries and dementia.

“Can confirm that dolls are of great help to dementia patients in the community, both as a distraction when the patient is in danger of being injured… and as a way to comfort them.” He wrote.

“I can’t imagine these being carried around the yard by the average inmate.”

Another user wrote, “From someone who has clients in prison who have disabilities – can be a positive thing for them to help regulate themselves.”

The Trauma Teddies can be purchased by prisons for $12.50 each through Prison Industries.

“It is recommended that each prison purchase a number of Trauma Teddies to keep in stock and collectively discuss and support appropriate use for inmates through RRT and Case Conferencing meetings,” Corrections Weekly states.

Prisoners in other states, including Queensland, have knitted Trauma Teddies for the Red Cross to give to children.