What happens to prisoners after they are released?

Staff assist prisoners through a range of assessments to ensure that tailored support is provided to all prisoners through programs, education and referrals.

Government department's and other visiting community service organisations offer all prisoners assistance with a range of pre-release matters including but not limited to, identification, housing and accommodation, alcohol and other drugs, Centrelink, employment, legal matters and medical assistance.

Once released from prison, all offenders have access to the support services and programs available to the general community. For more information, please refer to After-prison support.

Identification

Prisoners being released need to ensure they have current identification documents (ID). Identification is required to access a range of services including Centrelink and Medicare and to get a job, open a bank account and more. Prior to release, prisoners are assisted to apply for identity documents such as a birth certificates, Medicare and proof-of-age cards.

Housing and accommodation

Many prisoners being released may experience issues with housing and homelessness. Public and social housing resources are limited, in high demand and have long waiting lists. Support is available in prison from visiting housing workers who can provide information about housing options and make referrals to housing support services on release. Prisoners are advised to begin considering housing options well before leaving prison.

Offenders released on parole are required to have their housing plans approved by the Adult Parole Board.

Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility

The Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility (MCRF) was established as a community residential facility in 2020.

It provides short-term accommodation for men exiting the prison system, who would otherwise be homeless. Placement at the facility is temporary to assist residents in finding suitable long-term accommodation and transition into the community.

Finance and Centrelink

Centrelink Prison Liaison Officers assist prisoners to determine their eligibility for Australian Government payments and services prior to release, additionally, some prisoners being released may be eligible for a crisis payment. If a prisoner is released unexpectedly or direct from court, they are encouraged to visit their local Centrelink office as soon as possible with their release documents, for assistance with payments and services.

Employment

Education Officers in prisons can provide prisoners with information about employment agencies and services, including linking in with community networks and assisting with further secondary education where eligible.

Legal matters

Prisoners get help to access legal support and advice before they leave prison, so outstanding legal matters are addressed. Matters may include unpaid debts, fines and warrants, intervention orders, and family and custody matters.

Alcohol and other drugs (AOD)

Prisoners requiring treatment for substance misuse can be seen by AOD counsellors in prison and can also be referred to treatment services in the community prior to release.

Offenders with a parole or a community correction order (CCO) with AOD treatment conditions will be referred to required services by their Community Correctional Services case officer.

Medical needs

Prison health staff will develop a discharge summary for every prisoner to take with them when they leave prison. If a prisoner has an appointment with a specialist in the public health system scheduled for after release from custody, information on the appointment will be included within this discharge summary. Health staff may also develop a discharge plan for the prisoner to support them to access healthcare in the community.

Community Correctional Services (CCS)

Prisoners who are released under parole or a community correction order (CCO) will be provided with information about their order and the Community Correctional Services location to which they will report. Prior to release, prison transitional staff will arrange an induction appointment for the prisoner with their supervising CCS case worker.

Transport from prison

For prisoners who are not being collected by family or friends, the prison may help with transport to the nearest train or bus station.

Prisoners are required to arrange their transport (and request any necessary assistance) prior to release. Transport arrangements are discussed as part of the Corrections Victoria Reintegration Pathway. For more information, refer to the Programs page.

Once released from prison, offenders have access to the support services and programs available to the general community. For more information, refer to After-prison support