SBS documentary Life on the Outside will premiere on Wednesday, March 16, 8.30 pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
The three-part series will delve into the unique initiative that sees a formerly incarcerated person placed into a household for the first 100 days of their release from prison as a circuit breaker to help turn their lives around.
Presented by Wentworth actor and activist, Danielle Cormack, the three-part series is inspired by how the United States tackles recidivism – a person’s relapse into criminal behaviour.
Billions of dollars are spent every year keeping people imprisoned in Australia, with more than 40,000 people currently incarcerated. One in two will go back inside within the first two years of being released.
There is a clear connection between prison congestion and recidivism, with overcrowding impacting rehabilitation, educational and vocational programs, and linked to an increase in violence and poor mental health.
Upon release, most people who leave prison struggle to reintegrate into society due to histories of trauma and institutionalisation. Some of the key contributing factors of recidivism are a lack of support for these mental and emotional complexities, and a lack of accommodation, with thousands of ex-prisoners experiencing homelessness.
After consultation with non-government organisations, charities, caseworkers, and people with lived experience, Life on the Outside explores the potential for how an initiative like this has the potential to create real change.
Cormack said: “Recidivism is a topic that’s close to my heart. As a partner in Heartspeak Worldwide, and through my work with charities such as SHINE for Kids, I’ve seen how at-risk youth and families with relatives in the criminal justice system also pay the price. It would be easy to pass judgement, but the impact of incarceration shouldn’t be underestimated.
“For many, freedom can seem like a slippery slope, and reoffending the only path back to a bed, a meal, and a sense of belonging. I believe everyone should be treated equally and I’m excited about the potential for real change that’s explored in this series.”
The series follows four formerly incarcerated people who take part in the bold experiment that places them in households with a carefully selected individual or family for the first 100 days of their release. Through this initiative, they are offered a room and board, around-the clock access to a caseworker, and introductions to various mentors and assistance programs.
Joseph Maxwell, SBS head of documentaries, said: “Life on the Outside looks at recidivism in a provocative, but purposeful manner, through an initiative that could greatly help reduce the staggering rate of reconviction in this country.
“The series cuts through stigma and puts forward a different perspective to generate awareness and understanding about the ongoing battle formerly incarcerated people face when trying to rebuild their lives. It’s SBS’s role to create programs that drive national conversation around important issues. We hope this program will contribute to social cohesion and inspire positive action.”
Ben Ulm, ITV Studios Australia’s head of factual and reality, said: “Life on the Outside was one of the most challenging and complex series we have undertaken. While the public often perceives criminals as hardened and resilient, in fact they are among the most vulnerable members of our community, particularly the moment they step back out into the free world.
“Thank you to all our contributors who bravely shared their stories. This series is authentic, insightful, and thought-provoking. ITV Studios Australia is proud of what we achieved and now it’s time to continue the conversation,” he added.