Female prisoners leaving unprepared

and gave them the chance to change their behaviour and learn useful skills.

However, Corrections was not maximising on that opportunity to properly rehabilitate and reintegrate these women, who frequently had complex issues.

More than 52 per cent of female inmates have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, two-thirds of women in prison have been victims of family violence, rape or sexual assault; 75 per cent have diagnosed mental health problems; and 62 per cent of female prisoners have had co-morbid leaving prison should have:

Basic literacy and numeracy, at least to primary school level;

Hold at least a learner’s driver licence;

Have completed a culturally appropriate parenting course;

Have a completed a life skills course, including communications skills, anger management, financial literacy, social drinking and cooking etc;

A completed current CV; Cleared, remitted fines; Health clearance and a supply of any medication needed (including contraception), until they can register with a doctor;

A bank account;

If not going into work, a benefit set up to be paid on their week of exit. Some people currently wait up to six weeks for their first benefit payment.

Stretton also supported a policy, or law change, which would see more women become eligible for ‘‘clean slate’’ status sooner. A criminal record was a barrier for people who wanted to live a more positive, crime-free life, she said.

This could even be an incentive for prisoners to not reoffend.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said the Government was focused on rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for both female and male prisoners.

It had promised to cut the prison population by 30 per cent in the next 15 years.

In order to do that, it was considering every possible option, from changing bail and sentencing laws, through to how prisons were built, the services offered inside, and support on release.

‘‘We’re leaving no stone unturned,’’ Davis said.