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Paving a path through the revolving door of recidivism

This website is for prisoners about to be released from correctional facilities who need help: preparing a release plan; finding mental and physical health and/or treatment clinics; locating work and housing; or assistance connecting with social supports and resources in the city of their choice.

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Inside-Out

The Inside-Out program began at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2016. University courses are offered inside correctional facilities with half of the class being VIU students (“outside” students) and half of the class being residents of the facility (“inside” students). 

The students learn side-by-side about a variety of topics related to criminology, sociology, or other areas of interest. Students are peers and, rather than having a teacher lecture, time is spent in dialogue or engaged in activities related to the topics being explored. 

Since 2016, 268 students have completed an Inside-Out course, 125 of which were residents of correctional facilities. Many of those students have been released. Inside-Out alumni (both inside and outside students) now meet weekly with faculty as part of a Think Tank that is working on initiatives that will better support individuals in living healthy, productive lives after release. This website is one of the Think Tank’s initiatives. 

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Our Origin

The origins of this website came from prisoners who were still incarcerated (and had been in and out of prison many times) as well as individuals who had been incarcerated and were now living healthy lives back in community. A common experience for many incarcerated people is that they prepare for their release by creating a solid release plan. 

These plans include resources in their community like support groups, mental health services, recovery centres, places that offer housing or employment, etc. along with a list of their upcoming appointments. The plan is normally on several sheets of paper. 

Time and time again, individuals report losing these pages shortly after release and, with it, the hope for the new beginning they had envisioned. However, the participants who thrived in community reported they had followed their plan and found new resources and connections that kept them on the right track, living healthier lifestyles and abiding the law. 

The Vision

Think Tank members realized if their plans were available in a personal profile online, they could easily access them upon release from their phones, making connecting with resources and others easier. 

Corrections staff liked the idea and were willing to create profiles and enter information from release plans so that their profiles would be ready for them upon release AND they would be able to begin looking for housing and employment prior to returning to the community. 

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Once you choose hope, anything is possible.

Christopher Reeve
blue text explaining that 40% of inmates return to prison within 2 years overlaying a grey image of handcuffs

Offenders often reoffend because their criminal record is stigmatizing, making it difficult for them to reintegrate back into the community. Consequently, they are often isolated and pushed toward a previous patterns of behavior.

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After being released, the majority of former inmates will return to the same neighbourhoods where they resided and interacted prior to their incarceration. These areas are frequently plagued by poverty and crime.

blue text explaining that 95% of prisoners return back to society overlaying a grey image of hands breaking a chain

Rehabilitating offenders and effectively reintegrating them into society should be a fundamental goal of criminal justice systems.

CARES two hands holding while one pulls another out of a substance

Paving a Path through the Revolving Door of Recidivism

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Vancouver Island, Nanaimo

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