A Queensland Audit Office report examining how effectively Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) plans for and facilitates the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners has been tabled in Parliament, making five recommendation focused on strengthening planning, monitoring performance, case management, data capture and reintegration services.
In a statement, Auditor-General Rachel Vagg said delivering effective and targeted rehabilitation and reintegration services for prisoners can help prevent crime, reduce reoffending, and promote long-term social safety and wellbeing. It involves addressing the root causes of offending behaviour and preparing prisoners to successfully reintegrate back into the community, she said.
“We found that QCS needs a more effective delivery model for case management to achieve its rehabilitation and reintegration strategies. While its strategies have key elements of an effective approach, it has not effectually operationalised or delivered against them. Without effective case management, QCS cannot tailor interventions to provide structure and address prisoners’ risks and needs,” said Ms Vagg.
“Preparing prisoners to reintegrate into the community should start when a prisoner enters custody, but this planning does not occur across many correctional centres. QCS can more effectively monitor its reintegration services to determine if they are achieving intended outcomes.”
Better practice, including the Guiding Principles for Corrections in Australia, places effective case management at the centre of prisoner rehabilitation, said the Auditor-General.
“It involves assessing prisoner risks and needs, and planning and facilitating access to the programs and services they need. This includes rehabilitation and wellbeing programs, education, employment, reintegration, and structured routines,” she said.
The report makes five recommendations which focus on the following themes:
- strengthening QCS planning approach
- monitoring and overseeing performance
- case management
- data capture and reporting
- reintegration services.
Read the report: Rehabilitating and reintegrating prisoners.
