Post-release care program reduces re-offending rates


Released 25/07/2017

An independent report has found post-release community-based support for eligible detainees leaving the Alexander Maconochie Centre is assisting in reducing recidivism rates and crime in the community.

Minister for Corrections Shane Rattenbury today released the Evaluation of the ACT Extended Throughcare Pilot Program by the University of New South Wales Social Policy Research Centre.

First launched in June 2013, the Extended ThroughCare program is designed to reduce former detainees’ likelihood of reoffending by linking them to coordinated support services in areas including housing, employment, transport, health services, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

“The Extended ThroughCare program provides crucial support to detainees to successfully reintegrate into the community, break cycles of previous behaviours, build greater confidence and reconnect with family,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Today’s report suggests that the return to custody for some detainees has reduced by up to as much as 23 percent, and those returning to custody are remaining in the community crime free for longer periods on average. Other detainees reported that counseling also helped to reduce the likelihood that they would reoffend.

“I am pleased that the Extended ThroughCare program is assisting detainees positively in their lives, in turn reducing pressure on our justice system and improving community safety.”

The program is the first of its kind in Australia to provide community-based support for former detainees for up to 12 months after release.

“We know these clients face multiple disadvantages, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, low levels of literacy and numeracy, sporadic employment history as well as high level of homelessness,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Today’s report finds Extended Throughcare is helping to overcome these disadvantages, and that clients are reporting improved quality of life, greater independence and improved connections with family and friends.”

The UNSW report analysed impact of the program and interviewed clients, families and support staff from community service agencies who provide case management services to Extended Throughcare clients.

“Ongoing work in this area and refining the support offered to Throughcare clients with a greater understanding of their needs, I am sure will bring continued long-term benefits for our entire community,” Mr Rattenbury said.

The evaluation also found that overall the benefits to the community will outweigh the cost of establishing and ongoing running of the program.

“The ACT Government is committed to investments in rehabilitation for detainees when in prison which also addresses their offending behavior, as part of a rehabilitative justice system focused on reducing recidivism as much as possible at each point of contact,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Mr Rattenbury said the report did identify challenges for the future with program participation expected to increase.

“The experiences of clients, and support staff have been encouraging in the program’s early stages and the government will consider how support can be improved in the future,” Mr Rattenbury said.

The ACT Government has provided $4.7 million for Extended Throughcare Pilot Program since 2012-13 and includes this financial year. Ongoing funding is being considered as part of the 2017-18 ACT Budget process.

The report is available at www.justice.act.gov.au.

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Media contact/s: Lisa Gardner T (02) 6205 4115 M 0481 035 764          E lisa.gardner@act.gov.au

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Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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