Foreword

Prisons help us feel safe by removing offenders from our streets.  They send a message that society will not tolerate crime and deter would-be offenders from breaking the law. 

Prisons also provide an opportunity for offenders to rehabilitate themselves.  This not only gives them the chance to lead a life free of crime once released, it can have major benefits for the community in reducing crime and its associated costs.

Currently NSW has over 9,000 people in prison and this number is rising.  Rehabilitating prisoners is not easy.  Many come from some of the most disadvantaged and underprivileged sectors of our society.  Many have complex needs arising from antisocial thinking, drug use, poor work skills and limited education.

The Department of Corrective Services aims to address these factors while offenders are in prison.  However crime is more than a corrective services issue.  Many of the factors that influence offending are outside the department’s immediate control.  Government and community agencies must work closely together to tackle these complex social issues.

This report highlights some of the challenges faced by those working to rehabilitate prisoners.

Bob Sendt

Auditor-General

May 2006