NRS-23202 | Prisoners Aid Association Case Cards

Welfare and post release services and assistance provided to men and women exiting prison by the Prisoner's Aid Association.Prisoners Aid was originally known as the NSW Association for Assisting Discharged Prisoners and was established in 1901 to provide welfare and post release services to men and women exiting prison. The organisation was initially staffed by full time government employees (welfare officers) who were assisted by volunteers.   The name changed to the Prisoners Aid Association around 1950. The Prisoners Aid Association reported to a Managing Secretary located in a Branch of the Department of Prisons known as the Discharged Prisoners’ Branch. Their role diminished with the advent of the modern probation and parole service.The Association provided assistance in procuring work by paying fees at registry offices, supplying tools of trade; swags for ex-prisoners seeking work in country areas, providing accommodation until the prisoners secured employment, meal vouchers, clothing and helping in the restoration of family relationships. The cards contain prisoner personal details such as name, Age/DOB, File No, Institution, Sentence, Offence, release date, Previous convictions, present address, marital status, wife's name & address, no of children and ages, whether there is a discharge cert, whether registered for employment, previous assistance from the Association or from other Agencies, who they were referred by. Cards have written case notes particularly related to release and assistance provided - no photos or fingerprints.Some Female cards relate to inmate's wives.