ICAN Launches the ID and Banking in Prison Project
ICAN is proud to announce the launch of the ID and Banking in Prison Project, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing one of the most significant barriers to reintegration for men in custody at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC): access to proper identification. Funded through the ICAN Grow Fund, this project will provide essential Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Adult Photo IDs to approximately 700 vulnerable men over two years, supporting their financial and social inclusion both during custody and after release.
Why Identification Matters
For many vulnerable individuals, including those in custody, a lack of identification prevents access to vital services like banking, housing, healthcare, education, and employment. This challenge is particularly pronounced for First Nations peoples and those from remote and regional communities.
The consequences are far-reaching: without proper ID, individuals face financial exclusion, difficulty accessing social benefits, and barriers to securing stable housing or employment. These obstacles increase the likelihood of reoffending, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Research, including the New Zealand report Paying the Price, underscores those equipping prisoners with proper ID and facilitating access to banking services before release is critical to reintegration and reducing recidivism. This project addresses these challenges head-on.
Tackling the Problem at LGCC
At LGCC, ICAN’s outreach team identified the urgent need for identification. A comprehensive audit revealed that:
- 70% of respondents required a photo ID.
- 19% were without a bank account or had lost access to one.
- 83% of men entering custody identified as First Nations, many from remote communities where access to services is limited.
These findings informed the design of the ID and Banking in Prison Project, which aims to eliminate barriers to obtaining identification and accessing essential financial services.
A Streamlined Process
In partnership with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) and Lives Lived Well – CREST Re-entry Services, ICAN will provide financial support to cover TMR Adult Photo ID application fees. The project leverages a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between QCS and TMR, allowing QCS-issued ID to meet application requirements, bypassing the need for secondary documents like birth certificates or utility bills.
Key components of the project include:
- Screening and identifying prisoners in need of photo ID.
- Assisting with application completion, and addressing literacy barriers.
- Funding application fees to ensure access for those unable to afford it.
- Facilitating banking access using the newly issued TMR ID.
Delivering Meaningful Change
This project is expected to create a lasting impact by:
- Providing 700 men with TMR-issued Adult Photo IDs.
- Reducing barriers to accessing banking, housing, and other essential services.
- Enhancing collaboration among ICAN, QCS, and CREST to maximize resources.
- Informing long-term solutions to identification challenges through an independent Impact Report.
Building a Brighter Future
Through this initiative, ICAN is taking a critical step toward addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate disadvantage among vulnerable populations. By supporting access to primary identification and financial services, the ID and Banking in Prison Project aims to empower men in custody to reintegrate successfully and reduce the risk of reoffending.
This transformative project is made possible through the ICAN Grow Fund, which ensures that 100% of every donation is sustainably invested to create real, measurable change. By contributing to the fund, supporters are directly enabling initiatives like the ID and Banking in Prison Project, empowering individuals to build a brighter, more inclusive future. Donate to the ICAN Grow fund and follow the impact of your investment today.