Prisoner traineeships reduce reoffending
Release Date: 10:30am Tuesday 1 June 2021
Link to report summary:-
New research by the Bureau of Crime
Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows that prisoners who participate in a
traineeship program are significantly less likely to reoffend upon release.
Most prisoners have limited formal
education, vocational training or previous work experience when entering
custody. To improve their prospects of
finding work post-release, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) offers eligible
prisoners the opportunity to complete a 12-month traineeship while in custody. Inmates who complete the program can receive a
formal qualification in industries such as business administration,
construction, transport and logistics and food processing.
A new BOCSAR study compared reoffending
among 1,000 trainees who participated in the CSNSW program with 34,000
ex-inmates who were eligible but did not participate. An extensive range of
control variables were included to account for any pre-existing differences
between the two groups.
The study found significantly lower
rates of reoffending among trainees. In the year following their release from
prison, trainees were 16% less likely to be convicted of a personal, property
or serious drug offence than similar prisoners in the comparison group. Positive results were also seen for
Aboriginal trainees who were 18% less likely to be convicted of a personal,
property or serious drug offence than similar Aboriginal prisoners who did not
participate.
The largest reoffending reductions
were observed among trainees who were aged over 40 years (a 29% reduction in personal,
property or serious drug offending) and those living in metro areas (a 24%
reduction in personal, property or serious drug offending). High-risk offenders
also appeared to benefit more than low-risk offenders.
Commenting on the findings, the Executive
Director of the Bureau, Jackie Fitzgerald said that the results are very
encouraging.
“The study suggests focussing on
improving the post-release employment prospects of prisoners can reduce re-offending,
even among high risk offenders.”
Further enquiries: Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, BOCSAR 0423 139 687
Email: bcsr@justice.nsw.gov.au
Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au