Boronia is a minimum-security prison for women focused on the rehabilitation of residents in preparation for their reintegration back to the community.
OICS said Boronia鈥檚 philosophy of providing the residents with opportunities for personal improvement and responsibility ahead of release was evident in most areas it examined during a 2024 inspection.
It also lauded the facility鈥檚 stable leadership which 鈥渞einforced this approach in day-to-day operations鈥.
鈥淏ased on international best practice, (OICS) has consistently found Boronia to be a women-centred facility, delivering empowerment, genuine choices and individual responsibility, focused on effective support for reintegration,鈥 it said.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said Boronia remained committed to helping the residents realise better outcomes in the future.
鈥淭he self-care living environment empowers women to take part in education, work, vocational training and other opportunities that equip them with improved skills and resilience,鈥 she said.
鈥淲e strive to implement culturally appropriate programs and services including Noongar language lessons and the Yirra Djinda training program, which prepares participants for employment in hospitality.
鈥淏oronia provides strong support to pre- and post-natal women as well as to residents endeavouring to maintain relationships with family.
鈥淚t also offers parenting classes through the YMCA and young children are allowed to live with their mothers.鈥
Among several positive aspects of the facility it identified, OICS commended volunteer initiatives such as the Boronia Gala Day that gave women an avenue for community engagement and developing skills.
The annual event sees Boronia open its doors to approved community members who can buy items such as plants, crafts and artworks, with funds raised donated to a selected charity.
鈥淭his is a highly valued initiative, and credit must be given to all involved, including prison leadership, community participants, contributors and residents,鈥 OICS said.
Acting Corrective Services Commissioner Rick Curtis said senior management and staff at Boronia continued to deliver safe prison operations and support the rehabilitation of women in their care.
鈥淲e are encouraged OICS recognises the efforts of a custodial facility that is working hard to have a lasting impact and contribute to transforming the lives of its residents,鈥 he said.
鈥淭he Department is undertaking initiatives to further support our wider rehabilitation and reintegration objectives.鈥
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