A UNSW Law report is a clear call to action for the NSW Government and relevant departments and agencies to ensure people are adequately supported in their transition from prison to the community.
The Obstacles to Effective Support of People Released from Prison report urges the NSW Government and relevant departments and agencies to implement its findings and recommendations in efforts to reduce imprisonment and enhance community wellbeing and safety. The report findings – combined with extensive literature – illustrate that addressing reoffending and reimprisonment requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach across justice, community and welfare services, housing and health.
The new report is a result of a roundtable at UNSW Law in 2018 with community sector organisations that provide post-release support to prisoners. Its authors are CCLJ Members, Professor Julie Stubbs, Professor Eileen Baldry, Emeritus Professor David Brown, Professor Chris Cunneen (UTS), Melanie Schwartz (UNSW) and Research Associate Sophie Russell.
It recommends a government agency – which is not Corrective Services NSW – leads efforts to help people build pathways out of the criminal justice system.