Research has shown that offenders who are supported in their efforts to reintegrate into the community are less likely to re-offend. As a result of these findings, the Community Re-entry for Prisoners Program has been developed to ensure offenders are supported in the critical transition period.
Beginning three months prior to release, the program relies on effective partnerships with a range of non-government organisations that provide coordinated services to prisoners.
The program services are accessible up to six months following release.
The Community Re-entry for Prisoners Program includes:
- Re-entry coordination services: partnerships with non-government organisations to link ex-prisoners to existing community services that provide welfare, housing, drug treatment and counselling support, in addition to training and employment assistance;
- Accommodation: about 33 houses/units have been made available for prisoners being released from custody;
- Education and employment: programs will be expanded. Currently WA has the highest percentage of prisoners (57%) accessing programs;
- Mental health taskforce: increased services at courts, prisons and within the community for people with mental health issues;
- Family and community support: improved family visits to prisons, including the creation of family-friendly environments;
- Justice drug strategy: includes evaluation of WA's Drug Court, pharmacotherapies, rehabilitation in custody and the community, and blood-borne communicable diseases management; and
- Mediation: increases the participation of victims, offenders and others in the criminal justice system. Funding has been allocated to the Victim-offender Mediation Unit for a full-time mediator based in a Perth court.
