Effects Of Rehabilitation In Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is more effective than punishment in deterring criminals from reoffending after imprisonment, there for reducing overall recidivism rates. Evidence clearly demonstrates that punitive approaches alone are not acting as a strong enough deterrent against re-offense. According to the findings of the Australian Institute of criminology (Payne, 2007 p.11) 2 in 3 convicted prisoners would have been previously imprisoned, with 1 in 4 being reconvicted within three months of release and between 35-41% of adult prisoners being imprisoned within two years of being released.

These statistics highlight the need for more rehabilitation programs within prisons systems and are an indication that prisons are not effectively rehabilitating

A large proportion of Australian prisoners suffer from a range of mental health issues as well as drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. In many cases these issues are associated with criminal behaviour and are the main contributor of crime, re-offense and incarceration. Rehabilitation is effective in treating these issues, placing value on the prisoner and allowing offenders to break the substance abuse cycle. Overcoming mental health issues and substance abuse is effective l in preventing further crime, drug and alcohol abuse. Prison punishment alone however relies on short term approaches that supress negative behaviour and substance use for the time of incarceration. “For drug-using offenders, imprisonment can enforce a substantial reduction in drug use and, as a result, drug tolerance. The transition from prison back into the community is particularly hazardous for drug-using offenders whose tolerance for heroin has been reduced by imprisonment” (Merrall et al., 2010). Mental illness is more common amongst prison populations than the general populations. According to The Health of Australia’s prisoners 2010 (AIHW), the prevalence of at least one mental health disorder linked to drug and alcohol use was 80% in prisons and only 31% in the general public. It was estimated that 1 in 10 prisoners in custody

et al. (2010). Meta-analysis of drug-related deaths soon after release from prison. Addiction, 105(9), (pp.1545-1554). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02990.x

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2011). The health of Australia 's prisoners 2010. Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Callan, Victor J, Gardener, J. (2007). Vocational education and training for adult prisoners and offenders in Australia: research readings. Dawe, S (Ed.), The role of VET in recidivism in Australia (pp. pp.35-46). Adelaide, South Australia: NCVER, 2007. Retrieved from http://www.ncver.edu.au /publications/1789.html

Payne, J. (2007). Recidivism in Australia (p.11). Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2007. Retrieved from