Identifying novel, health-related predictors of recidivism: Informing evidence-based throughcare. Throughcare is a policy priority for correctional authorities in Australia, however the evidence base to inform policy is limited. Using innovative modelling techniques and unique data from a large, representative cohort of ex-prisoners in Queensland, this study will: identify novel, health-related predictors of recidivism in the first two years after release from adult custody; examine the extent t ....Identifying novel, health-related predictors of recidivism: Informing evidence-based throughcare. Throughcare is a policy priority for correctional authorities in Australia, however the evidence base to inform policy is limited. Using innovative modelling techniques and unique data from a large, representative cohort of ex-prisoners in Queensland, this study will: identify novel, health-related predictors of recidivism in the first two years after release from adult custody; examine the extent to which risk and protective factors for recidivism vary over time and according to individual characteristics; and, provide evidence-based recommendations to improve throughcare interventions and reduce recidivism.Read moreRead less
Parole in crisis? Public opinion on the use of parole. Serious crimes committed by parolees in Australia have brought parole into the public eye. Without concrete evidence, governments often act on the assumption that the public holds punitive attitudes. This project is expected to develop an evidence base to inform policy on parole at a crucial time when governments are under pressure to restrict its use. Three mixed-method studies aim to assess: what public views on parole are; why the public ....Parole in crisis? Public opinion on the use of parole. Serious crimes committed by parolees in Australia have brought parole into the public eye. Without concrete evidence, governments often act on the assumption that the public holds punitive attitudes. This project is expected to develop an evidence base to inform policy on parole at a crucial time when governments are under pressure to restrict its use. Three mixed-method studies aim to assess: what public views on parole are; why the public holds these views; and what influence these views have on policy and practice. The project is expected to make contributions to: creating information strategies that properly inform the public; supporting prisoner reintegration strategies; and shaping criminal justice policies based on informed community feedback.Read moreRead less
Social Infrastructure in a Society of Captives. This project aims to understand how innovations in the prison environment can promote positive human connections between prisoner and staff groups, which has the potential to reduce the dehumanisation and related harms associated with imprisonment in Australia. Using state of the art research methods and innovative theoretical tools, the project will explore how the concept of social infrastructure can be applied in prisons. Outcomes include new kn ....Social Infrastructure in a Society of Captives. This project aims to understand how innovations in the prison environment can promote positive human connections between prisoner and staff groups, which has the potential to reduce the dehumanisation and related harms associated with imprisonment in Australia. Using state of the art research methods and innovative theoretical tools, the project will explore how the concept of social infrastructure can be applied in prisons. Outcomes include new knowledge focused on the interaction between people and spaces in correctional settings when the purpose is positive human development. The anticipated benefits include the release of more prisoners who can be functioning citizens, contributing to community safety and productivity in the long term.Read moreRead less
Reducing Aboriginal imprisonment: An offence-specific study. This project aims to capture the complex personal, cultural, and social factors underpinning behaviours of Aboriginal prisoners in South Australia and Northern Territory. This project expects to generate new knowledge through focus groups and interviews with Aboriginal prisoners as well as intensive immersion within key communities to which Aboriginal prisoners return. The project will result in place-based and culturally informed appr ....Reducing Aboriginal imprisonment: An offence-specific study. This project aims to capture the complex personal, cultural, and social factors underpinning behaviours of Aboriginal prisoners in South Australia and Northern Territory. This project expects to generate new knowledge through focus groups and interviews with Aboriginal prisoners as well as intensive immersion within key communities to which Aboriginal prisoners return. The project will result in place-based and culturally informed approaches for supporting desistance from crime among high-rate offenders. This will provide significant benefits by enhancing scholarly and policy understanding of Aboriginal incarceration and pathways to social and economic well-being.Read moreRead less