Finding purpose after prison

When I left prison, one of the hardest challenges I faced was finding work.

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At first, it felt like nobody wanted to give me a chance. But, eventually, one employer took a chance on me. That warehouse job may not have looked like much to others, but to me it was everything: it gave me purpose, structure and, most of all, hope.

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I have often said that finding work didn’t just give me a wage; it gave me self-esteem, self-worth and the feeling that I was accepted back into the community. For the first time in years, holding down a job made me feel like I belonged.

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This is a story that’s common to so many people transitioning back into the community after spending time inside.

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As one colleague put it: “Work gave me a reason not to go backwards. It gave me a reason to stay clean. It gave me a future.”

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Despite all this, it can be very difficult for people leaving prison to find work. That’s why I believe preparing for work should begin inside prison.

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Barriers to work after prison

As I’m sure some of you already know, there are many obstacles to getting work after prison. Inside prison, access to training and education is often limited or outdated. There are also many things that need to be worked out before release. These include:

• getting ID, tax file numbers and bank accounts
• stable housing (of course!)
• mental health
• debt
• transport to help get to interviews and work.

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Some prisons have financial counsellors that visit the prison and help with these things, especially debt, ID, tax and bank accounts. Ask someone at your prison if financial counsellors are available for you to talk to. There’s nowhere near enough counsellors to go round, but maybe your prison have them on offer. This will help a lot when trying to work on release.

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Work should start while inside prisons

Finding work must begin inside prisons. Governments and organisations should:

• invest in real training that prepares people for jobs in industries that need workers
• create connections between people in prison and willing employers
• support social enterprises that hire and mentor people post-release
• provide wraparound support, housing, transport, mental health and mentoring.

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Without these programs and supports, even the best intentions can fall apart.

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Apprenticeships inside prisons?

In a recent proposal, I suggested introducing accredited apprenticeships inside selected Victorian prisons. Prisoners could train in trades like construction, logistics, horticulture or plumbing while still inside.

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Time served would count toward qualifications, and structured support would continue post-release. This approach helps people leave prison not just as “former prisoners” but as apprentices, workers and professionals with a future identity.

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Prisons across Australia offer different pathways for employment and education. What is available will depend on where you are located. The best way to find out what opportunities are available is to speak with your corrections officers. While your options might be limited, I encourage you to make the most of what is available. Programs like this are often voluntary, so it is up to you whether you get involved. The more you prepare while you’re inside, the more ready you will be when the time comes to reintegrate into the community.

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In addition to speaking to your corrections officer, speak to your employment pathways representative if one is available at your location.

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Success stories: Fruit2Work and ACSO

In Victoria, Fruit2Work and ACSO prove that employment and support services can transform lives. I know this because I’ve seen the way they’ve transformed my own life and I’ve seen the positive impact they’ve had on the people I work with.

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Fruit2Work employs people with lived experience of the justice system in warehousing, driving and operations. Their Transition 2 Change program combines real jobs with mentoring and peer support. Remarkably, none of their participants have reoffended.

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ACSO, an organisation founded by a man who had been through the criminal justice system himself, provides wraparound support: mental health supports, alcohol and other drug services, forensic disability supports, specialised residential supports and reintegration programs. Their trauma-informed approach ensures people are supported across their whole journey from custody to community.

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Together, these two organisations prove what’s possible. When employment and support are both available to people leaving prison, reintegration has a far better chance of succeeding.

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As one colleague told me: “Fruit2Work gave me more than a job. I finally feel like I belong and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.”

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A final message

To people inside: You are not your worst mistake. Every step you take now, every course, everything you do to prepare now, will help you build a future worth fighting for.

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To people outside: Make policies and partnerships that encourage second chances for people. People leaving prison need employment opportunities – this is the foundation of reintegration.

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It is time to start building systems that make second chances real. It’s a chance to build a meaningful life.