Document summary

In Victoria, failure to address the causes of incarceration (time in prison) has a human and economic cost.

The cost of incarceration is high and growing unsustainably:

• The cost of prisons in Victoria increased by 74% between 2014-2022.
• $1.8 billion in public funds was invested in prison infrastructure between 2020-2024.
• 53% of people in prison have previous incarceration histories.
• Repeatedly sending people to prison costs 20 times more than successfully reintegrating them into the community.

Prisons do not rehabilitate people who use drugs.

• Most people in prison report recent use of drugs.
• 84% of people with opioid dependence who are released from prison return within 2 years.
• 50% of people who use drugs and have been incarcerated will return to prison at least 6 more times after their first release.

The Forest supports people who use alcohol and other drugs as they leave prison and rejoin the community. It is led by and for people who use drugs following a multi-year co-design process and is grounded in evidence.

The Forest is a public health model to address the underlying drivers of reincarceration. It is a safe place where people leaving prison can access a comprehensive network of services, engage in meaningful activities, and find care and community.

Economic modelling demonstrates an expected benefit-cost ratio of 3.1-3.8, saving $303 million in a 4-year community trial. Over 10 years, the saving would rise to $2.3 billion.

The Forest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for systems change and a ‘no regrets’ investment.

It aligns with Victoria’s policy reform agenda, delivers benefits across multiple domains and can lead to significant avoided costs. Addressing the underlying drivers of incarceration benefits everyone.

Find out more about The Forest.