Updated on 4 July 2024

Applying for the Living with Mum program

You can apply for LWM when you are: 

  • In prison; or 
  • In the community and expecting a prison sentence (for example, if you are on bail and pleading guilty to an offence you expect to get prison time for). 

Applying in prison 

If you are applying from prison, you will need to complete the LWM application form and give it to the LWM Program Support Worker at your prison. 

Applying from the community 

If you are applying from the community, you will need to complete the LWM pre-sentence application.  

Your existing criminal lawyer will need to submit this for you to an LWM Program Support Worker.  Your lawyer can contact the LWM program for more information by: 

  • Emailing djcs-cv-dpfcfamilyengagement@justice.vic.gov.au 
  • Calling DPFC on (03) 9217 8400 

Application process 

The application process for LWM is: 

  1. You or your lawyer gives your application to the LWM Support Worker.
  1. A LWM Support Worker does an assessment of your application, interviews you and does background checks. They will give an assessment report to the LWM Operational Steering Committee: 
    • The Operational Steering Committee oversees the LWM Program and is made up of prison General Managers, Offender Services Managers, Child Protection, community services and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations like VACCA if your child is under their protection.
  1. The LWM Operational Steering Committee looks at your application and the Support Worker’s assessment. The General Manager of the prison you’re already in or will be going to then makes a recommendation to the Deputy Commissioner of Custodial Operations about whether your application should be approved.
  1. The Deputy Commissioner makes the final decision about your application. 

If your application to the LWM Program is accepted, arrangements will be made for your child to move into the prison with you. 

If your application to the LWM Program is rejected, you should be told in a letter from the Deputy Commissioner and in person by the General Manager. You should be told in detail why your application was rejected and be offered counselling and support.  You should also be told how you can appeal the decision.  

You can also make a new application down the track if your circumstances change.  

Important:  

  • You can ask for your child to live with you in prison while you wait for the Deputy Commissioner’s decision.
  • Priority should be given to applications where a parent is close to giving birth or currently breastfeeding.  
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