MANA: Transitions
Reintegration Support
MANA Transition To Home (MANA-Transitions) is our reintegration program. It is designed to provide casework/support coordination foe individuals post release (after a period of prison) to reintegrate into their community and families and overcome barriers.
Guiding Principles
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Talanoa (open and respectful dialogue to build relationships, find shared understanding, and foster collaboration)
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Alofa/Loloma/Aroha (Love, respect, dignity)
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Whakapapa/Fonua/Vanua (genealogy, identity, belonging)
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Lotu (spirituality)
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Vā - Reciprocity and Relationships (highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and communities.
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Vaka/Waqa – Shared experiences and collectivism
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Kuleana/Mana – responsibility to self and community
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Non-clinical, culturally grounded, trauma-informed
This program aims to address the unique needs of individuals from Pasifika backgrounds by providing them with specialised culturally safe support. The program may include assistance with employment, referral to services, reconnecting with family, culturally sensitive mentorship, counselling referral, and other services.
Through MANA-Transitions our Support Coordinators will also encourage participants to enrol in the Mana Restoration 8 week sessions to support overall well-being and to address negative behaviours.
Instructions for Submitting a Referral Form to N8PP
Please follow these steps to submit your referral form:
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Complete the Form (link above): 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 mana1@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 team of 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 Support Coordinators, 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).
Why Cultural Understanding Drives Us?
Pasifika people are significantly overrepresented in the prison population in Australia, particularly in New South Wales. At Number Eight Prison Project (N8PP), we are dedicated to addressing this issue and supporting Pasifika individuals and families affected by incarceration. Our programs are informed by our own experiences and cultural awareness, as we come from a diverse range of Pacific Island nations with distinct languages, customs, and traditions. We are committed to empowering Pasifika people to flourish in their communities and to reclaim their narrative and cultural heritage. Our ancestors were skilled navigators, agriculturalists, artists, storytellers, teachers, medical practitioners, and warriors. They valued family, culture, and faith, and passed down these values to future generations. Despite facing challenges and marginalisation, we carry on these traditions and values with pride. N8PP aims to support individuals and families outside of the prison context, recognising the value and potential of our people and culture.