Education for Prisoners

Human Right to Education

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that education is a basic human right. However the ability to receive a quality education in prison has become increasingly compromised. Inmates are currently unable to receive any education levels above a Certificate II.

Benefits of Education

Education in prison improves mental and physical well-being, reduction of substance abuse, increasing chances of post-release employment, rehabilitation, personal development and autonomy. A lack of education ultimately strips rights from the incarcerated, affecting their personhood and chance to improve.

Quality Evaluation

Current methods for evaluating the quality of prisoner education have been found to be inadequate, suggesting the need for other methods of standardised testing such as NAPLAN or the OECD’s survey of Adult Skills.

Methods for Evaluating the Quality of Prisoner Education, Community Justice Coalition (2018)

Access to Law

Individuals have the right to learn about their legal case and rights while incarcerated.

Locked Hospitals Education

In almost all locked wards there is no access to education, even for young people who are required to attend school. Health Departments regard consumers as having only a mental health dimension, disregarding their rights as people to develop freely.

Women’s Education

Women are less likely than men to have access to education, rehabilitation and employment training programs while imprisoned. There is also a lack of qualified (university level) teachers within women’s prisons in NSW.

Case Studies

Justice Action sent a letter to about 160 prisoners who expressed an interest in accessing education through previous correspondence. We asked a few questions to gauge an understanding of their take on the education system and access to it whilst serving time. The letter sent to prisoners can be viewed here.

The Jeffrey McKane Story

Opportunities for Education

The University of Southern Queensland, the leading and largest national provider for incarcerated higher education students operates in Queensland, WA, Tasmania and South Australia (not NSW).

NSW Government Education Programs and Services

TAFE NSW WUURRA Program

Justice Action Educational Opportunities

Computers in Cells Roundtable Discussion

Resources

- Community Justice Coalition
  - Prisoner Education Forum 2018
  - Prisoner Education Forum 2016

- Australian Court AI chatbot
  - Disclaimer: This AI can be useful but does not provide advice equal to that of a qualified solicitor. Legal matters are complex and may vary based on specific facts and jurisdictions.

Justice Action: Employment Prospects and Resources

The implementation of education in prisons reduces the overall rate of recidivism by anywhere from 15-34%. If you have any information on delivery of education in prisons, please reach out through our contact form.