I am advised
(1) Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has not formally assessed the South Australian ‘Work Ready, Release Ready’ program but CSNSW will review this program in 2023. CSNSW undertakes regular literature and research reviews as part of evidence gathering to inform policy of new insights, ideas and learning.
(2) An individualised case plan is developed for sentenced inmates which considers matters such as literacy, numeracy and digital literacy and vocational training (workplace licences, traineeships, apprenticeship and part qualifications). Inmates may work in business units in correctional centres, undertaking employment in areas such as engineering, facilities maintenance, logistics/warehousing and food services.
(a) As at October 2022, 5,366 inmates were employed in business units and 2,076 were engaged in education from July to October 2022. All sentenced inmates have an individualised case plan.
(3) CSNSW supports inmates to write resumes and prepare for job interviews through two key programs: Work Release and the Pathways to Employment (P2E) program. P2E provides pre and post release employment support to inmates towards the end of their sentence. P2E teams work with pre-release inmates on career planning, skills identification and interview preparation/resume building.
The Work Release Program provides a pathway for inmates to progress through security classification levels to a degree which allows them to engage in day release to attend paid employment with approved employers. Resume building and interview preparation form part of the suite of deliverables under Work Release.
(a) As at November 2022, 169 inmates were currently participating in the Work Release Program. Since the P2E program commenced on 1 June 2021, 196 participants have commenced P2E (to 12 December 2022).
(4) CSNSW delivers NEXUS, an 8-module intervention program delivered to inmates commencing 12 months prior to their release. It assists offenders to focus on barriers that affect the risk of reoffending. The eight modules cover areas including money, wellbeing, relationships, education and employment.
P2E features formalised agreements with industry partners in areas such as construction, hospitality, automotive and warehousing. Post release, P2E matches participants with available jobs which suit their skills, experience and post release location. P2E provides post release support for up to six months.
The Commonwealth funded Time to Work Employment Service operates in NSW correctional centres, providing Aboriginal inmates with pre-release assistance on employment related matters. Participants receive: an assessment of their employment barriers; assistance to develop a detailed transition plan; and a facilitated transfer from their in-prison service provider to their post-release employment service provider, where possible.
(a) Since the P2E program commenced on 1 June 2021, there is a total 196 P2E participants (as at 12 December 2022).
The NSW Government considers funding and program needs on a regular basis. CSNSW delivers the Work Release and the Pathways to Employment (P2E) program.
