CARE Network to strengthen aftercare support for ex-offenders, improve recidivism outcomes

Key Concepts

• Ex-offender support network
• Recidivism rates
• Elderly ex-offenders
• Community partnerships
• Aftercare ecosystem
• Streamlining programs
• Cross-sector mentorship
• Employment support
• Accommodation
• Active aging
• Healthcare support (dementia, mobility issues)

Elderly Ex-Offenders and Healthcare Needs

• The proportion of inmates aged 65 and above has doubled between 2020 and 2024, reaching 8% (574 inmates) in 2024.
• Elderly ex-offenders require different aftercare support compared to younger ex-offenders, particularly in healthcare.
• Specific healthcare issues include dementia and mobility problems.
• The support network aims to collaborate with healthcare sector partners to address these issues.
• Active aging is a key consideration for elderly ex-offenders.
• Accommodation is also a significant concern for this demographic.

Five-Year Plan and Strengthening Community Support

• A new 5-year plan aims to strengthen community support for ex-offenders through a care network.
• The plan includes helping network members support ex-offenders with jobs, upskilling, and financial management.
• The plan also seeks to streamline programs and services and implement more cross-sector mentorship programs.

Recidivism Rates and the Role of the Care Network

• Law Minister Edwin Tong stated that the care network has played a significant role in reducing recidivism rates in Singapore since its launch 25 years ago.
• The 2-year recidivism rate has dropped from over 40% in 2000 to around 21% for the 2022 release cohort.
• The 5-year recidivism rate is 36.6%, indicating a need for sustained support beyond the initial two years.
• The goal is to provide continued support to ex-offenders so they remain successful beyond the 5-year mark and do not return to the system.
• Justin Vigneswarren mentions that the CAN network was formed in 2000, with recidivism rates around 40.1% at that time.

Streamlining Programs and Cross-Sector Mentorship

• The support network currently has over 170 community partners.
• The network trains more than 4,000 volunteers in areas like addiction treatment and family support.
• More than 100 former offenders are now volunteers, helping their peers exit crime.
• Cross-sector mentorship programs aim to facilitate the transference of skills and knowledge.
• One approach involves seconding officers within the care network to share expertise between organizations.
• The goal is to make services complementary rather than duplicated.
• A care network steering committee, facilitated by a secretary team, will assess the landscape of aftercare services to identify and address duplications.

Employment and Accommodation

• Yellow Ribbon Singapore has partnered with over 6,700 employers to provide jobs for ex-offenders.
• Yellow Ribbon Singapore is the lead agency in reducing recidivism through skills training and career development.
• Employment and accommodation are identified as key issues for ex-offenders.
• While Yellow Ribbon Singapore and MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) are addressing employment and transitional shelters, respectively, more coordination is needed.
• The aim is to provide timely support to those in need.
• Justin Vigneswarren: "So when an ex-offender comes out of prison, if he doesn't get employment support, if his family doesn't support him, or even if the committee doesn't give him a second chance, he will struggle in his distance journey."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The Singapore ex-offender support network is evolving to address the changing needs of its population, particularly the increasing number of elderly inmates. By partnering with the health sector, streamlining programs, and enhancing coordination between various stakeholders, the network aims to provide comprehensive and sustained support to ex-offenders, ultimately reducing recidivism rates and facilitating successful reintegration into society. The focus on employment, accommodation, and healthcare, coupled with cross-sector mentorship, reflects a holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by former inmates.