The role of VET in recidivism in Australia

This chapter examines the links between prisoners' participation in the vocational education and training (VET) programs available within the Queensland prison system and their chances of returning to prison. It discusses a recent study which shows that prisoners involved in VET programs before their initial release are much less likely to return to custody. Overall, 32% of prisoners who did not participate in VET before their initial release returned to custody in Queensland within two years, while only 23% of VET participants returned. Interviews with prisoners and correctional...  [+] Show more

This chapter examines the links between prisoners' participation in the vocational education and training (VET) programs available within the Queensland prison system and their chances of returning to prison. It discusses a recent study which shows that prisoners involved in VET programs before their initial release are much less likely to return to custody. Overall, 32% of prisoners who did not participate in VET before their initial release returned to custody in Queensland within two years, while only 23% of VET participants returned. Interviews with prisoners and correctional services staff reveal that the adoption of a module-by-module approach to training and dedicated training workshops in correctional centres are assisting prisoners to access VET. On the other hand, the perceived barriers to the successful provision of VET programs include the demands of programs dealing with offending criminal behaviour and the perceived lower importance of VET. Operational and funding constraints also limit prisoners' access to training opportunities.

The complete volume of readings is indexed at TD/TNC 91.04; individual chapters are indexed from TD/TNC 91.385 to TD/TNC 91.395.