Damning audit finds NSW prison programs have ‘little to no impact’ on reoffending rates for Indigenous people

Claude Robinson at Rainbow Lodge which helps men recently released from prison with psychological support and mentoring. Advocates want the NSW government to fund more programs like this. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Stephen was in his mid-20s when he finished a five-year stint in prison for aggravated robbery. His time in custody didn’t help.

“When I got out, I just went back to doing what I know because there was no programs or anything to help us,” says the now 34-year-old, who asked for only his first name to be published. “So I just went back to using and doing crime.