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Proactive Integrated Support Model (PRISM)

Jurisdiction
New South Wales
Year
2016-2020
Outcomes
Disengagement

The Proactive Integrated Support Model (PRISM) is a disengagement intervention delivered by Corrective Services NSW aimed at prison inmates who have a conviction for terrorism or have been identified as at risk of radicalisation. It is a voluntary support service that uses tailored intervention plans to address the psychological, social, theological and ideological needs of radicalised offenders to redirect them away from extremism and help them transition out of custody. Its primary focus is on prison inmates, but it does reach into the community supervision context when offenders are released on parole. The program has been operating since 2016 and targets individuals across the ideological spectrum.

Key takeaways

An evaluation of PRISM found:

  • A lot of effort is required to gain enough trust of offenders so that they participate
  • The motivations to participate in PRISM offer the opportunity for offenders to initiate change and actively demonstrate that they do not present an ongoing risk of radicalising to violent extremism
  • Practices aimed at promoting disengagement should foster alternative viewpoints and solutions
  • Engagement in the community corrections context has potential benefits
  • There needs to be a clear separation between PRISM services and law enforcement agencies
  • High security custodial environments and lack of access to family can limit the effectiveness of PRISM

Relevant reports