A new study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has found that the nation’s first investment program supporting criminal justice to help reduce reoffending rates does not appear to have achieved its goals.
According to BOCSAR, Australia’s first ‘social impact investment’ was an initiative that raised capital from the private sector to finance non-Government organisations (NGOs) to deliver social services for people leaving prison with the investors receiving returns based on the results.
The NGO programs were aimed at reducing recidivism by providing additional support services to assist reintegration into the community.
In a statement, BOCSAR said the On TRACC program (Transition, Reintegration, and Community Connection) began in September 2016 delivered by two NGOs who entered into a payment-for-results contract with the NSW Government.
“The impact of On TRACC was tested through a Randomised Controlled Trial,” BOCSAR said, “which compared reoffending among 1,147 parolees who received On TRACC services and existing supervision services provided by Corrective Services NSW, with reoffending among 732 parolees who received Corrective Services NSW supervision only.
“No significant differences were detected between the two groups on any of the reoffending measures examined in the study,” it said.
BOCSAR noted that On TRACC was ended by mutual agreement in January 2019.
The Bureau’s 19-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
