The reality former criminals face when released from prison | Four Corners

Australia has one of the highest reoffending rates in the world.

Every year, 19,000 people leave prison in New South Wales, but less than three per cent of them get a bed in a supported accommodation program.

Reporter Linton Besser meets the lucky few who’ve been given a place at Sydney’s Rainbow Lodge – one of the longest continually running halfway houses in the world.

These men have committed multiple crimes and been in and out of prison for decades. Most have been cast out from their families in the process.

For many, the lodge’s three-month program is their last chance to take responsibility for their actions and prove they’re ready for the outside world – but one slip-up could land them back inside.

00:00 - First day out of prison
02-31 - Rainbow Lodge, the halfway house
06:58 - Spending my inheritance on drugs
09:40 - Aggravated break-and-enter
11:00 - My first job in 15 years
14:15 - Getting caught
20:38 - Testing positive for drug use
23:30 - Second chance
29:25 - CCTV footage
36:10 - The apology
38:28 - A different court system
41:20 - Hope for the future

This episode was originally broadcast as ‘Breaking Free’ on 3 June 2024 on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Read more about Four Corners’ investigation here: https://bit.ly/3yRIBDE

Four Corners is Australia’s premier investigations documentary series.

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