An evaluation of the On TRACC Social Impact Investment

Release date: 10.30am Tuesday, 11 November 2020

Link to report summary

• Social impact investment and recidivism: A field experiment with high-risk parolees

Release Date: 10:30am Wednesday 11 November 2020

Australia's first social impact investment in criminal justice does not appear to have reduced reoffending rates according to a new study released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Social impact investment is an initiative that raises capital from the private sector to finance non-government organisations (NGOs) to deliver social services. Investors are remunerated by the government based on results achieved. The On TRACC (Transition, Reintegration, and Community Connection) program was Australia's first Social Impact Investment in criminal justice. The program aimed to reduce recidivism among people leaving prison by providing additional support services to assist reintegration into the community.

On TRACC commenced in NSW in September 2016 and was delivered by two NGOs who entered into a payment for results contract with the NSW Government.  

The impact of On TRACC was tested through a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) which compared reoffending among 1,147 parolees who received On TRACC services and existing supervision services provided by Corrective Services NSW, with reoffending among 732 parolees who received Corrective Services NSW supervision only.

No significant differences were detected between the two groups on any of the reoffending measures examined in the study. On TRACC ended by mutual agreement in January 2019.

Further enquiries: Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director 0423 139 687

Email: bcsr@justice.nsw.gov.au

Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au