Why do people keep returning to prison? And how can throughcare disrupt the cycle of incarceration?

In this instalment of The Prison FAQ, we continue on from how people can end up incarcerated and look at the cycle of incarceration and why people keep coming back.

The cycle of incarceration refers to recidivism, the rate at which previously incarcerated individuals find themselves back inside post-release. People largely have good intent at heart, and don’t want to end up back inside. Lack of essential care, support to build a life that’s sustainable and perceived failure in one or more areas of their life can be the catalyst that thrusts individuals back into this cycle. The following section looks at some of the factors that play a role in the cycle of incarceration. From the survival mindset poverty forces people into, lack of stable housing, boredom due to not working and the peer pressure from shit mates still using, this list barely captures all the issues that these people face. Every person has a unique story and circumstance. We’re just trying to shed some light on how hard it can really be for some of these people. 

“In the existing service system, only a very small percentage of the 62,000 people

leaving prison each year have access to the evidence-based intensive support services capable

of breaking the entrenched cycles of disadvantage and imprisonment for many, which are a

precondition to future employment.” – Justice Reform Initiative

Poverty Poverty doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care what you’ve done or the colour of your skin. It has the devastating ability to entrench itself almost anywhere. It’s a problem that can deprive people of basic needs like toiletries and food. The choice between your first proper meal or a toothbrush and toothpaste seem unthinkable but it can actually be a thing.

People can be released from prison to emergency accommodation at night due to no fixed address. They have nothing but the clothes on their backs and repping prison issue shoes (aka Boobers). Some are lucky enough to have a mobile but the battery will almost certainly be flat. These people are vulnerable and desperate. They feel like they have no other choice but to go back to their old ways to feed themselves. They’ll most likely get caught and find themselves right at the start in a few months and for some, maybe years.

Stable Housing People leaving an incarceration setting have a few options. When serving a parole period, they need to provide an address where they can serve their parole or they apply for a social housing setting. Social housing is under a lot of pressure and an investigation by the Ombudsman found that Victoria is far behind in delivering social housing. Another place for previously incarcerated people is the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility (MCRF) or just as ‘Maribyrnong’ (for those with lived experienced). Supply is extremely limited in comparison to the amount of people returning to society making it even harder to access.

“It provides short-term accommodation for men exiting the prison system, who would otherwise be homeless. Placement at the facility is temporary to assist residents in finding suitable long-term accommodation and transition into the community. MCRF accommodates up to 42 people, including those who have just been released and who are on parole.” – Corrections Victoria

Many individuals apply for housing assistance when leaving an incarceration setting. While long term housing is the most desired goal, only 3.2% of applicants are given long term housing. 32.3% of applicants are given referrals for housing, leaving a whopping 64.5% of people with no referrals or provisions as they are leaving incarceration. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimate that 1,800 individuals who are experiencing homelessness upon release are receiving support. However, 61% still experience homelessness after this support ended. Stable housing is important for people to feel safe and gives them the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Employment Opportunities Studies have shown that being employed helps reduce the chance of someone re-entering the justice system. 46% of individuals are unemployed entering incarceration and only 20% have full-time work as they leave. A vast amount of previously incarcerated people would love the opportunity to work and earn an honest living. A major problem is the stigmas surrounding people with lived experience. Many people think they are violent, unmotivated and have a really bad work ethic. The reality is that yes, this is probably true for a small amount of the cohort. But like any group of people, you’re going to get some that are bad and some that are good. We shouldn’t use a few bad examples as the precedent on the rest of the group. There are so many individuals who are overlooked. These people are extremely motivated because the job means so much more to them. It’s not just a job. It’s a way to feed themselves, to keep a roof over their head and cloths on their back. It’s a way to feel purpose. It’s a way to stay out of jail. Employment truly underpins reintegration on so many levels.

Lack of engagement with mental health, drug and alcohol support

Programs are delivered both inside and outside of incarceration. The key providers inside are FIS (Forensic Intervention Services) and GEO Group Health. FIS handle the criminogenic programs which are Violence Programs or Drug related programs. They’re also done in a group setting, which makes it harder for personalising treatment and engagement. While these programs may work to an extent, the proofs in the pudding. 42.5% of previously incarcerated people will return to an incarceration setting within 2 years. Programs are heavily advocated inside but there’s a disconnection once an individual re-enters society. Once back in society, they’ll have to go through many different appointment and referrals before they can actually see anyone. Some returning citizens aren’t even aware that they have some of these resources available to them or where to find them. They’re often left feeling like they’ve got no support upon release. That feeling cannot be described in words.

Social Networks

Reintegration can feel isolating especially when you aren’t being supported. A major challenge for returning citizens is being surrounded by people who entrenched in crime and drugs. The reality is that they are some of the only friends they have. It starts off with a beer, then it’s off to the pokies, then who knows where the night ends up. Their supposed “mates” don’t care if they’re on parole or want to change their lives. They just want to have “fun”. They’ll say things like “It’ll be fine mate, one puff won’t hurt” or “Come on, don’t be weak!”. It’s hard enough being unsupported, it’s even harder when you think those around you have your best interest at heart. The way forward is hard, having to say no to people, but ultimately the individuals need to build the resilience to put themselves and their goals first. Building new prosocial networks and positive experiences can really go a long way. It can make reintegration so much easier.

The importance of Throughcare

Throughcare refers to the comprehensive approach of supporting returning citizens transition back into the community while they are incarcerated and also upon release. It is truly the way we can help people reintegrate. The holistic approach ensures that they receive proper guidance when addressing the root causes of their behaviour, their addictions and provide them with real social support. Focusing on long-term rehabilitation isn’t an easy task. That’s why it takes a long time to successfully transition back into society. If we want to break the cycle of incarceration, we have to start from the inside and continue. We can’t just accept that a program inside fixes things permanently. It will take a lot of investment and resources to fully implement throughcare. But who can put on a price on a safer community? Or a child who gets to see their mother on Christmas? Or better yet, a second chance?

What are we doing to help? Reboot Australia is social enterprise and a reintegration employment company specialising in mentoring and employment for people impacted by the justice system. Our approach to throughcare starts with holistic candidate-centric support that starts the journey where individuals can begin to live a life away from crime. After mentoring, candidates are found suitable employment where they can build trust, responsibility and belief after having lost it during incarceration. While they are working, we continually check in and ensure that they are travelling well and that there haven’t been any issues. Our candidates are the lifeblood of our business, their success underpins the fibre of what we do. We look forward to sharing some of our candidate stories with you in the near future. For more information on how Reboot Australia can assist with career development and reintegration support, get in touch via our Business Development Manager, Bevan@rebootaustralia.com, leave a comment or register here. Together, we can create meaningful change and foster a more inclusive workforce.