Transforming justice Policy Policy Policy and Advocacy Vacro advocates for policy, law, and system changes to support our participants to create new beginnings in stronger communities. We have a vision of a fairer justice system for all, which guides our 2025-29 Advocacy Strategy. You can read it here: Reports and Publications Our Comprehensive Vision for Families in Contact with the Criminal Justice System proposes a holistic network of supports for families, from the point of arrest, through the court and prison systems and back into the community. We've also identified the whole-of-system changes needed to support this vision. Read the Vision for Families Media Releases Our staff are experts in their fields and can provide authoritative comment on a range of issues relating to criminal justice in Victoria. We see criminal activity as one part of a much bigger picture and aim to present stories in the media that provide nuanced messages about people in contact with the criminal justice system. Read our Media Releases Submissions Vacro advocates for these policy priorities in submissions and testimony to inquiries, through direct advocacy, and by engaging on issues in traditional and social media. Here is a selection of our most recent submissions: Vacro submission to the Inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries (July 2025) People with lived experience of justice system involvement can bring great value to roles within in-demand industries such as social assistance and care. Many prospective students and employees of these sectors have lived experience of interaction with the very systems as people they one day hope to support. Unfortunately, however, student pathways to these roles are often blocked by multiple hurdles and barriers for people with these experiences, and especially those who have criminal records and other disclosable outcomes. Read the Submission Vacro submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (March 2025) Reintegration into society following incarceration is a clear human rights issue, and we strongly support advancing a human rights-based approach to reintegration. Reintegration support delivered by specialist community services contributes to stronger and safer communities with fewer people caught up in a cycle of involvement with the justice system. Read the Submission Read previous submissions below: 2024 submissions 2023 submissions 2022 submissions 2021 submissions Vacro policy contact Abigail Lewis: Advocacy, Policy and Communications Manager: [email protected] Please note that requests from students relating to policy and advocacy should be sent to Vacro's student placement page. Manage Cookie Preferences