Reintegration of Indigenous Prisoners

• NCJ Number: 226080
• Author(s): Matthew Willis; John-Patrick Moore
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 198 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Research and Public Policy Series, No. 90

Annotation

This report presents the findings of an Australian study of factors that impede or facilitate the reintegration of violent male Indigenous offenders into their communities after release from prison.

Abstract

The study found that Indigenous prisoners were more likely than non-Indigenous prisoners to have been previously imprisoned, to have been previously convicted of violent offenses, to receive shorter sentences, to be reconvicted and returned to prison sooner, and to return to prison for violent offenses. The relevant research literature shows that Indigenous Australians typically experience multiple social disadvantages, particularly in remote communities. These disadvantages and compounding factors contribute to violent offending among Indigenous males, resulting in imprisonment and the perpetuation of a cycle of accumulating disadvantage and habitual offending. An awareness of these patterns among Indigenous offenders has caused many Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions to respond to the needs of Indigenous offenders through a range of innovative programs and services. Most corrections agencies offender services for Indigenous offenders that include the involvement of Indigenous elders, liaison officers, Indigenous official visitors, and chaplains. The aim is to assist Indigenous offenders in benefiting from positive interactions with their cultural values and community resources. Still, there is clearly a need to improve and expand services that target Indigenous offenders, particularly after their release from prison. Skill development and education that can contribute to an upgrade in the economic and social identities and contributions of Indigenous people assist in diverting them from criminal identities. Indigenous elders and facilitators should be trained to become more involved in the delivery of these services within an indigenous cultural context. The families of offenders should also become more involved in rehabilitative planning and implementation. There should also be an expansion of resources for remote Indigenous communities. 4 figures, 23 tables, 102 references, and appended description of methodology and study instruments