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The post-release experience of prisoners in Queensland

Abstract

Statistics show that the majority of released prisoners return to custody at some point and many re-offend within a relatively short period of time. This is a costly cycle, and given increasing imprisonment rates the costs of custodial facilities to house offenders will continue to escalate unless there is more active prevention of re-offending among post-release prisoners. In recognition of the need for an improved understanding of the experiences of prisoners in Australia after they are released, this project had two key objectives: i) describe the patterns of drug and alcohol use, mental health status and broader socioeconomic status of recently released prisoners; and ii) identify predictors of re-incarceration within a six-month period (including pre-incarceration patterns of substance use). The PREP-Q study was a longitudinal study of a sample of adult prisoners released from custody in Queensland. Participants were recruited and interviewed prior to release from custody, and again on two occasions post-release. Although this particular study is based on a relatively small non-random sample, the findings provide important insights for policy makers and practitioners for policy makers and practitioners seeking to implement throughcare programs.

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