Policy Hub
On 4 December 2006, the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) posted a report (The post-release experience of prisoners in Queensland) which says that, unless ways can be found to prevent reoffending by released prisoners, they will continue to be highly likely to return to prison at a high cost to the community.
This study examined pre-release expectations and post-release experiences of prisoners in Queensland to help identify the factors likely to lead to reincarceration. Although it is based on a relatively small non-random sample, the findings provide important insights for policy makers and practitioners seeking to implement throughcare programs. Of note is that within an average of 34 days post release, 64 percent of males and 37 percent of females report using illicit drugs, particularly cannabis and amphetamines. There were also significant levels of risky alcohol use and elevated levels of physical and mental distress. Within one year 19 percent of the group had been reincarcerated. Effective crime control strategies will ultimately fail, if they do not include pre- and post-release intervention programs designed to reduce the likelihood of re-offending among prisoners.
The full report can be viewed on the AIC
website