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- In Queensland, about one in five prisoners is participating
in some form of vocational education and training (VET) program before
release. Being involved in a vocational education program before initial
release is associated with a decrease in the chance of offenders returning
to custody. Ignoring the potential role of all other factors, offenders
who have been involved in VET programs before initial release have
a recidivism rate of 23%, compared with 32% for offenders who do not
participate in VET programs.
- Persistent values and cultures in correctional institutions mean many
continue to give vocational education and training a low priority. Evidence
in this and previous research concerned with the barriers to the provision
of education and vocational training shows that Australian correctional
systems are still grappling with how to more fully integrate the management
of offenders. Nevertheless, many of the key elements needed to develop
this more integrated strategy are already in place, such as flexible
arrangements within centres that assist offenders to attend VET programs
and good levels of cooperation between corrections staff and VET trainers.
- There is a need for the ongoing development, introduction and enhancement of a wide range
of psychological, educational and vocational training programs in prisons.
These programs need to target the needs of specific prisoner groups,
to provide them with opportunities, to address their personal, social
and educational disadvantages, and to help reduce recidivism.
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