The Department for Correctional Services (DCS) is developing its first Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance made a submission noting that the marginalisation, harassment and mistreatment experienced by LGBTIQA+ people in society are compounded within the correctional system.
SARAA received a reply on 10th of January highlighting, 'We are pleased to inform you that a number of changes have been incorporated into the Action Plan as a direct result of the thoughtful and considered feedback provided by the SA Rainbow Alliance. We would also like to advise that your feedback will be further considered in relation to the Department’s Safe at Work Framework and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. These will be the primary policy documents that will shape work undertaken by DCS to improve LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice in the coming years.'
'We are currently in the process of finalising the Action Plan, which is expected to be published in February 2025.'
We provided feedback to support DCS to reduce the risk of suicide for LGBTIQA+ people in contact with the correctional system and discussed themes of:
- reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody
- improving LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice across correctional services
- enhancing practices for the appropriate care and management of trans and gender diverse people
- building LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the workforce
DCS state that the Department for Correctional Services Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025 - 2028 will be released at the start of 2025.