"By having this vital information at our fingertips, we can strengthen efforts to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people in our care," Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said as Western Australia introduced a new cultural-connections database across its prisons.

The system — described as the first of its kind in Australia — will record cultural and family ties, language needs, disability information and medical requirements provided voluntarily by Aboriginal offenders.

The information will appear on a single screen for Corrective Services staff, a shift the Department says will help guide safer placements, day-to-day management and support.

A project team has been collecting the data in WA prisons since mid-year, with the rollout to extend to youth detention and Adult Community Corrections next year.

Participation is voluntary and individuals can withdraw their information at any time.

Ms Maj said the project aims to lift the Department's cultural capability and strengthen its reporting practices.

Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the work would help officers make more informed decisions.

"Having this sort of information available can assist officers in making practical decisions like ensuring the safe placement of a prisoner, or recognising when someone needs an interpreter for a court appearance," he said.

"It also deepens our understanding of the Aboriginal peoples in our care and respectfully recognises their cultural backgrounds."

The Department has partnered with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and collaborated with Aboriginal native-title organisations to compile a cultural-connections list to support the system.