Study in prison reduces recidivism and welfare dependence: A case study from Western Australia 2005-2010

Using a longitudinal dataset of prisoners in Western Australia, this paper describes the effectiveness of correctional education in improving post-release outcomes. The report shows that the more classes completed by prisoners the lower the rate of re-incarceration and the less likely they are to increase the seriousness of their offending. These, and other personal and societal benefits such as a reduction in welfare dependence, were positively associated with the number of classes prisoners successfully completed-that is, the more classes the inmate successfully completes, the less likely they are to reoffend and to access unemployment benefits. © 2016 Australian Institute of Criminology