MANA: Transitions
Casework and Reintegration Support
MANA: Transitions
MANA Transitions is our 12-week reintegration casework program for people returning to the community after incarceration. Eligible participants are matched with a dedicated Case Manager/Worker who provides practical, culturally safe support to help them achieve a successful reintegration.
Each participant works with their Case Manager/Worker to develop an individual goals plan based on their strengths, needs, and identified risks. Support may include housing, employment, education, family reconnection, referrals to specialist services, advocacy, mentoring, and other practical assistance.
As part of the program, all participants are automatically enrolled in the MANA 8-week online workshop. These weekly 2-hour sessions explore identity, culture, healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing, and behaviour change through a Pasifika cultural lens, helping participants build the knowledge and confidence needed for long-term success.
Our Approach
Our work is guided by Pasifika values and delivered in a way that is culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and non-clinical.
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Talanoa - Open and respectful conversations that build trust and understanding.
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Alofa / Loloma / Aroha - Love, compassion, dignity and respect.
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Whakapapa / Fonua / Vanua - Identity, ancestry, belonging and connection.
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Lotu - Spiritual wellbeing and faith.
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Vā - Strong relationships, reciprocity and community connection.
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Vaka / Waqa - Shared journeys, collective responsibility and support.
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Kuleana / Mana - Personal responsibility, leadership and restoring dignity.
Instructions for Submitting a Referral Form to N8PP
Please follow these steps to submit your referral form:
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Complete the Form (Click Here): Fill out all required sections of the form. Please provide as much detail as possible to help us understand your needs and how we can best support you.
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Save Your Completed Form: Once you have filled in the form, save a copy for your records.
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Confirmation: You will receive confirmation within 48 hours acknowledging the receipt of your referral form.
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The referral will be allocated to one of our Support Coordinators.
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Mana Support Coordinator will then contact yourself or client to conduct assessment and goal setting
Should you have any questions or require assistance with the form, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at intake1@number8prisonproject.org.au or by phone on (02) 9188 9178
How long is the maximum support period?
Ideally, 6 months is the max support period. However, we would typically set goals to complete within the first 6-12 weeks with us.
Do you provide intensive case work for clients e.g transport to interviews, attend appointments?
We are run by a small team of staff and awesome volunteers that do this as well as their full time employment, as such, we do not have the capacity to provide intensive face to face support. Instead, we coordinate referrals, links to services and advocacy by phone and video links. We work best if co-case managing with another service.
Is there a wait list?
Depending on the availability of our Case Managers, yes at different times there may be a wait list. However, we will refer on to a partner agency for support.
Do you assist people with temporary visas?
Yes. We do however, we face a phenomenal amount of barriers given the lack of support available to temp visas such as Visa 444, Visa 501 and others. However, we do what we can and within the time constraints. We also assist temp visa holders that are still in custody with Legal Aid referrals, document collection etc.
Do you provide pre-release support?
Yes, but this is limited to support for temporary visa holders and any permanent residence 3 weeks prior to their release.
Do you support young people under the age of 18 yo?
Due to limited capacity, we can not provide support to anyone under the age of 18. There are a number of services that will provide fantastic culturally targeted support that we would be happy to link you with.
What is Talanoa?
Talanoa is a traditional word used across the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive, participatory, and transparent dialogue. Talanoa provides opportunities to discuss authentic knowledge grounded in Pacific values and principles of ‘Ofa | love, Faka’apa’apa | respect, Mālie | humour and Māfana| warmth. We use Talanoa group sessions in N8PP to discuss and challenge behaviours, cultural norms and traditions and tools for managing self in society. These group talanoa sessions are held online and are closed to our clients only by way of referral. They can also be delivered one to one via our MANA Restoration program (contact us for more information).