Exploring reintegration programs for people leaving prison
The Australian Welfare and Work Lab is partnering with Vacro to explore their Reintegration Practice Framework for people leaving prison.
Vacro is a Victorian NGO that has developed specialised reintegration programs for individuals leaving prison, operating within the broader landscape of Australia’s active labour market programs (ALMPs) and employability services.
These programs have traditionally been influenced by a ‘workfare’ model focused on rapid job placement rather than long-term skill development. Vacro’s Reintegration Practice Framework, however, is grounded in a more holistic approach which prioritises individual agency and human flourishing.
This project aims to explore how these contrasting approaches impact the delivery of employability services and the experiences of those involved, particularly as it relates to the professional judgments made by caseworkers.
By examining the links between policy frameworks, informal client categorisation, and access to employment opportunities, this research will provide valuable insights into how to better support individuals in their transition from prison to the workforce.