The health of people in Australia's prisons 2022

People in contact with the criminal justice system have higher rates of homelessness and unemployment and often come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. People leaving prison are members of society needing employment, housing and other support services in the community to maintain and improve health and wellbeing, and reduce the likelihood of returning to prison (AIHW 2019).

This section reports on socioeconomic factors that might affect the health or wellbeing of prison entrants and dischargees, including detention history, parental imprisonment, family contact, cultural background, education, employment and access to housing.