The effectiveness of the criminal justice system is frequently measured (0) BY its ability to reduce reoffending rates among those who have served prison sentences. Statistics reveal, however, that a significant proportion of released prisoners go on to commit further offences 1 a relatively short period of time. This raises serious questions about 2 prisons are truly fulfilling their intended purpose or merely serving as temporary holding facilities. Rehabilitation programmes, which aim to equip offenders with the skills and support they need to reintegrate into society, have long 3 recognised as effective in reducing reoffending. The problem is that such programmes are often underfunded and reach only a fraction of 4 who could benefit from them. There is also the question of what happens 5 an individual is released. Finding employment with a criminal record is notoriously difficult, regardless of 6 long ago the offence was committed. Without the opportunity to earn a legitimate income, many former prisoners find 7 with little choice but to return to crime. Only 8 former offenders are given a genuine chance to rebuild their lives can we expect reoffending rates to fall in any meaningful way.