9. prison

What language should be avoided when referring to incarcerated individuals?

Terms that devalue, exclude, or stereotype, such as offender, criminal, felon, prisoner, convict, and inmate.

What is the significance of the quote from UNAIDS regarding prisoners?

It emphasizes that prisoners are part of the community and their protection is essential for community safety.

What factors contribute to who ends up in prison?

Factors include unemployment, poor education levels, and multiple layers of disadvantage.

What is the common perception of why prisons exist?

Prisons are often seen as housing the most dangerous individuals, but many are there due to socioeconomic disadvantages.

What are common living conditions reported by incarcerated women?

Poor food quality, lack of privacy, and amplified noise leading to insomnia.

What does remand mean in the context of the prison system?

Remand refers to individuals who are held in custody without being convicted of an offense, maintaining their presumption of innocence.

What percentage of people in prison have been incarcerated before?

60% of people in prison have previous prison experience, with higher rates among Indigenous individuals.

What are the average daily costs of incarceration in Australia?

For adults, it's $436; for young people, it's $3,320.

What are Sykes' 'pains of imprisonment'?

They include loss of liberty, desirable goods and services, heterosexual relationships, autonomy, and security.

What impact does parental incarceration have on children?

It is associated with negative mental/physical health outcomes and an increased risk of incarceration for the children.

What are the primary objectives of detention?

To enable reintegration into society and prevent recidivism.

What needs do individuals leaving prison typically have?

Stable accommodation, alcohol/drug treatment, and support for reintegration.

What challenges do people face when re-entering society after prison?

Daunting barriers to housing, employment, health insurance, education, voting, and parenting.

What is the role of correctional services in Australia regarding rehabilitation?

They espouse rehabilitation as a core purpose, aiming to improve the material and physical environments for prisoners.

What is the estimated number of children in Victoria experiencing parental incarceration?

Approximately 45,000 children.

What are the consequences of not addressing the factors outside the justice system?

They can influence remand rates and overall effectiveness of the prison system.

What does the term 'invisible victims' refer to in the context of incarceration?

Children of incarcerated individuals who suffer from the consequences of their parent's imprisonment.

What are some key support services needed for individuals leaving prison?

Health assistance, work/education, family/parenting support, transport, legal assistance, life skills (especially with technology), emotional support, and housing.

What percentage of people leaving prison expect to be homeless upon release?

48%

What impact does public housing have on former prisoners compared to private rental assistance?

Former prisoners receiving public housing have significantly better criminal justice outcomes, including an 8% reduction in court appearances and proven offenses.

What are some barriers to employment for individuals released from prison?

Criminal record checks, stigma/discrimination, low levels of education and literacy, and financial barriers such as access to transportation and appropriate clothing.

What are some critical issues faced by prisons in Australia?

Overcrowding, available facilities, prison privatization, risky behaviors in prison, mental health issues, human rights concerns, and restrictions on voting rights.

What are the social determinants of imprisonment?

Factors include poor education, unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues, early police contact, substance use, out-of-home care, Indigenous status, and living in disadvantaged locations.

How does stigmatizing language affect public support for incarcerated individuals?

Terms like 'offender' and 'prisoner' can negatively impact public support for reintegration programs; using terms that acknowledge humanity, like 'people in prison,' is encouraged.

What is the rate of incarceration in Australia compared to Western Europe?

Australia has higher incarceration rates than Western Europe, particularly in the Northern Territory.

What is the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in prisons attributed to?

It is due to the legacy of colonization, systemic racism, policy failures, and ongoing social disadvantage.

What are the health and wellbeing challenges faced by people in prison?

They generally have worse health, higher rates of disability, mental illness, substance use, and histories of trauma.

What percentage of the adult prison population in Australia is on remand?

42% of the adult prison population is unconvicted or remanded.

What are the recidivism rates in Australia?

Around 60% of individuals released from prison reoffend.

What are the economic costs associated with adult prisons in Australia?

Adult prisons cost approximately $6.8 billion per year nationally, equating to $436 per day per person.

What are the intergenerational impacts of parental incarceration?

Children of incarcerated parents are at increased risk of homelessness, school dropout, and future imprisonment.

What are the non-monetary costs of imprisonment?

Loss of liberty, autonomy, goods/services, intimate relationships, and security, along with social harm and increased stigmatization.

What alternatives to prison are recommended for non-violent or low-risk offenders?

Alternatives include electronic monitoring, fines, and employment-based sanctions.

What is the significance of housing-first models for individuals leaving prison?

Unconditional post-release housing improves outcomes and saves money.

What are some policy recommendations for addressing the needs of women in prison?

Trauma-informed and gender/culture-responsive approaches are recommended.

What is the call to action regarding the future of prisons in Australia?

There is a need to re-imagine justice, moving towards socially just, community-centered approaches and addressing the root causes of crime.