The first 10by20 Progress Report 2018 Update has been released.

The report highlights the great work that is being undertaken by DCS staff across the state, both now and before the Reducing Reoffending 10% by 2020 target was announced in August 2016.

For prisoners released in 2014-15, the rate of reoffending dropped to 45%, which represents a 2.1% decrease in the reoffending rate overall. The number of prisoners engaged in education programs has increased by 59% from 2015-16 to 2016-17, which equates to over 700 additional prisoners.

A lot of work has been undertaken in the last six months to implement the $40m 10by20 State Government Response and Action Plan, which was released in July 2017.

The New Foundations and Work Ready, Release Ready programs have been developed, with the Work Ready, Release Ready contract now signed. These key initiatives will link prisoners with accommodation and provide them with greater prospects of employment upon their release – two factors that are critical in helping prisoners successfully reintegrate into the community.

A number of rehabilitation programs have been implemented or expanded upon, including programs that target specific cohorts such as prisoners facing shorter sentences, those on remand and those serving sentences in the community.

Many more initiatives are already underway and the State Government will continue to report on the progress made as we work towards reducing reoffending by 10% by 2020.