Work Release creates opportunitity

CSI is responsible for providing work and education opportunities to eligible and willing people in custody as part of their rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation services are provided to offenders to minimise reoffending post-release.

We encourage individuals to gain skills and experience that will enhance their ability to secure regular employment post-release. Research shows that education and work skills facilitate stability, purpose and self-sufficiency, which can significantly increase a person’s ability to live a productive life, reduce reoffending and create safer communities for everyone.

One rehabilitation program that has proven to be a great transition for people in custody is Work Release.

Work Release commenced in NSW in 1969. Over the years the types of work and permissions have varied, but essentially the purpose of the program has remained the same.  It is where the person in custody is permitted to leave the correctional centre they reside in, participate in employment, and then return to the same correctional centre.

To participate, the person in custody must have a resume, cover letter and tax file number and be fitted with an ankle bracelet by the Electronic and External Monitoring Group.

Offender Employment Officers establish partnerships with local business who provide the employment opportunity.  They also support the person in custody to navigate the challenges they may face returning to society. 

The Work Readiness team are proud to have placed 439 people in custody into the Work Release program for 2024. 

Well done to all involved, work changes lives.