http://www.insideoutpathways.org/

InsideOut Pathways Inc, 7/220 Mt Glorious Road, Samford (2026)

16/06/2026

For the last year, I've used this page to share stories about prison, parole and reintegration.

There's been stories about the barriers people face when they leave custody, but also about the hope, resilience and second chances that do exist on this side of the fence.

Some of those stories have been my own. Many have belonged to others who trusted this page enough to share their experiences... Families. Victims. People rebuilding their lives after prison. Employers willing to offer a second chance.

But there's also been people working within the system itself... CCO's, Parole Officers, Psychs, Nurses and others who see these issues from a different perspective.

It's been a space for conversations that don't usually happen... with a comment section that gives people who may be on opposite sides of the fence, an opportunity to better understand the realities each side has faced.

Recently, I received formal correspondence from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of QCS regarding my social media activity and reminding me of the obligations that continue to apply while I remain on parole.

I'm not going to go into the specifics of the letter, but I will say this...

I started the page believing there was value in honest conversations. None of our posts were designed to tear people down or point fingers. The intention was to create a space where people could share experiences, challenge assumptions, and encourage people to think a little more deeply around the realities of prison, life after release and the factors that can lead someone there in the first place.

Instead, I now find myself weighing up whether continuing to facilitate those conversations is worth risking the life I've spent the last three years trying to rebuild.

In three days, it will be three years since I walked out of prison.

Three years of trying to prove to myself, my family and the wider community that people can change.

Those closest to me know that the last few months have been some of the hardest since my release. It almost felt like rock bottom all over again and tested me (and my wife) in ways we never anticipated.

Which is why I've made the decision to step away from actively running this page.

It's been exhausting. I mean, not because of this page.

But rebuilding your life after prison can be f*cking relentless.

You try to move forward. You do the counselling. You stay sober. You rock up to work. You become the husband, father, friend you should have been all along.

You take responsibility for your past and spend so much time creating a different version of yourself.

And just when you feel like you're gaining momentum, another door closes, another hurdle appears, and you're left wondering how many times you'll have to start over.

Honestly, a month ago I was at home thinking, 'WTF is the point? Why try?'.

If you've never experienced that, it'd probably be hard to understand.

But if you've walked out of prison determined to build something better, only to find new barriers at EVERY single turn... then you'll probably know exactly what I mean.

Over the last year, this page has been a place where 1000s of people have been able to share their experience. And instead of seeing that as an opportunity to better understand the realities people are experiencing every single day, I've had to ask myself if continuing these conversations is worth jeopardising the life I've been trying to rebuild.

The reality is, I'm still on parole. I've got a wife who deserves a present husband. Kids who need me. A future I'm working hard to build.

As well as people leaving prison who have reached out to IOP to help them find employment, rebuild their confidence and create lives they can be proud of.

I can't lose sight of any of that.

So I'll be stepping away from the page, but not the work itself.

The page isn't going anywhere - we have a great team of passionate people behind us who see the importance in these conversations and the people behind them.

If you'd like to continue following my journey, you are more than welcome to follow on my personal page - Vincent Siahaan

I'll still be sharing a lot of the real stories. The employers willing to give someone a chance. The setbacks, the victories and the everyday moments that remind us why this work matters.

And finally, if this page has ever made you stop and think, challenged your assumptions, helped you better understand the complexities surrounding crime and reintegration, or even just reminded you that PEOPLE are capable of CHANGE, I'd ask you to consider supporting the work we're doing through Insideout Pathways Inc.

We don't receive government grants and are entirely volunteer run.

Every phone call, every coffee meeting, every conversation with an employer, every person we support is made possible because people chose to give their time, their skills, and occasionally, their financial support.

We had hoped to secure DGR status before the end of this financial year.

But what do you know... more roadblocks.

If you'd like to help us continue connecting people with employment, restoring hope and creating pathways away from prison and towards something better, we'd be incredibly grateful.

Insideout Pathways Inc
(ABN 14 875 717 014)
Bsb: 633 000
Acc: 232 260 364

But if you're not in a position to donate, that's okay too.

Keep having these conversations, and keep believing that people are more than the worst thing they've ever done.

Thank you for being here.

Look after yourselves, and I'll see some of you on my personal page... if not, I'll see you back here in a year and a half lol.

Love & Respect!!!
Vincent

10/06/2026

A couple of weeks ago I found myself at Church. I don't usually go, but I walked out of there that morning with a lot more to think about than I expected.

The pastor quoted James 1:27 and spoke about the difference between *appearing* to be good and actually *doing* good.

I couldn't help but sit there and think about some of the comments we get on the page.

"I've worked hard my whole life and never committed a crime"
"People like that made their bed. They can lie in it"
"I don't feel sorry for crims. Nobody helped me".

Awesome. High five!

Maybe thats true.

Maybe you've never stolen. Or been arrested. Or addicted. Or even spent a night at the watch house.

But have you done any good?

Who have you helped?

Who have you stood beside when there was nothing in it for you?

I don't want to make this about religion, but there was another line that stood out to me which I think is worth taking a moment to think about;

"One of the clearest indicators of spiritual maturity is what happens when you encounter people who can offer nothing to you".

It's easy to support people who look like you, think like you, or who's circumstances make you feel comfortable.

But how about the people everybody else overlooks?

The recovering addict.
The guy sleeping in his car.
The person walking out of prison carrying a bag containing everything they own.

Through IOP, I've had countless people with lived experience reach out wanting to give back.

People who have overcome addiction asking how they can mentor others.

People who have spent years in prison wanting to help those coming out to nothing.

People who know exactly how it feels like to be written off... who are determined to ensure someone else doesn't go through it alone.

And honestly, I've met plenty of people with spotless records who have absolutely no interest in helping anyone but themselves. Which is fine.

Yes, I believe we should go through life trying to do the right thing. To be honest. To take responsibility for our actions. To avoid causing unnecessary harm to others.

But at the same time, I don't think the goal in life is just to avoid doing bad.

There's a difference between avoiding doing the wrong thing and actually doing something good.

We shouldnt judge someones character by whether they've been able to keep their hands clean their whole life.

I think it's important to also look at what they've done with the life they've been given.

Whether they've used their experiences, skills and opportunities to help somebody else.

Whether they've lifted people up.

Whether they've given someone hope.

Whether they've stood beside someone when everyone else walked away.

Because one day, I don't think many of us will be remembered for all the things we didn't do....

Shout out to Hope Centre for a service that gave me a lot to think about.

08/06/2026

"There's plenty of help/courses available in prison. They just don't want to change".

I've lost count of how many times I've read some version of that comment.

A couple of months ago I wrote a post about a literacy and numeracy course in one of the prisons I was in. The prison held close to 1000 inmates. The course had 8 spots.

I went through some of the comments afterwards - there were 681 of them. Some people couldn't (or wouldn't) believe it. Others insisted there were heaps of opportunities available and that anyone who genuinely wanted help could get it.

Then a few days ago a friend of mine sent me a recently released review of Queensland's parole system.

At the time of this review, there were over 5061 prisoners waiting for rehabilitation programs, 6075 waiting for substance misuse programs and 776 waiting for sexual offending programs.

Couldn't help but laugh when I saw those numbers.

Google 'Core roles and Functions of QCS'...
'Rehabilitation', they reckon lol.

I think what a lot of people don't understand is that the decision to change doesn't just happen overnight. None of us just woke up one morning after years of offending and thought 'Yep, I'm done with that life".

Something usually happens.

Your partner leaves.
Your mum dies
Your health falls apart.
You miss another birthday
or another Christmas.
Another year.

Kids were my reason.

Whatever it is, eventually something gets through..

And thats when we put our hand up and ask about the drug program. Or the anger management course. Or the reading and writing course.

The problem is, that moment doesn't last forever. Especially in that environment.

Anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, lost weight, quit smoking or tried changing their life would have an understanding.

Theres a window.

And when that window opens, that's when support needs to be there.

Not 6 or 12 months later. Not after you've sat in your cell long enough to convince yourself it's all pointless.

I find it funny when correctional officers jump in the comments and talk about prison as though it's overflowing with opportunities and people are just refusing to take them.

What's even more funnier is that Australia's own 'Guiding Principles for Corrections' talk about rehabilitation, reintegration, education, case management and helping people address the causes of offending.

The reality is very different.

The same review also found 1809 people sitting in prison past their parole eligibility date. 1809 people who are either waiting for programs, assessments, accommodation or decisions.

They think throwing all these people in prison for longer is some sort of flex. I'd be more impressed if they could show me how many leave and never come back.

Now THAT would be a f*cking flex.

05/06/2026

"Prison will be a relief".

I've known Tamz for quite some time now. What I've seen of her is someone who keeps trying, even when life keeps knocking her down.

The pic was taken yesterday.. just after she'd spent some time crying and trying to push through the pain of detox.

The following is shared in her own words.

--

Behind the smile.

Im Tamz 47 and I identify as a addict ..

Today I dont say clean because the flip side indicates dirty I just say "today im doing ok ," ( thankyou QUIHNN )

Its not substances that are my downfall its life , people, places ,things ..

MY FUTURE..

Im sick of keeping this secret so here goes im facing a big laggin' next year of maybe 5 years ...

While im subsequently buying time and doing the right suggested things the interlude of this life part is looming its way into my mind and when I moved into this new place my mind went to dark places .

I turned my ph off and whilst unpacking I decided to come off all prescribed meds n try to find a place of peace n calm in my mind ..

What does that look like ?

Im yet to see! I have cried and dreamt horrific past traumas ( detoxing from substances in jail was horrendous but this has been a close equivalent) coming off prescribed meds is brutal n the sweats n sleep n pain r next level )

Im doing this as i often do as I feel crazy i have not had a moment since the incident in January to stop .

I.have not sat n taken a moment to accept my son leaving 12 years ago or my daughter over a year ago.

I wish that after I got out of jail 10 years ago id asked for help and instead of working 6 days a week n being a mum n doing recovery id done trauma therapy n got support.

Now im broken n scared ..not of jail .
Prison will be a relief as theres routine there ., a permanent roof n 3 meals .

Atm my rent is my wage plus more n im at food bank daily .whilst greatful for this house n services my mind is thinking about the next earn or how to make a dollar go far. Its hard to not fall backwards . Im cleaning atm for work to supplement.

I have faked my smile n got up n went with life daily til a few days ago .. I know this to shall pass.. This time though I cant begin to live untill this trial commences n sentence is passed .

Im not saying I dont deserve a sentence or playing the poor me card . Im upset because I made choices I shouldn't have during my recovery over last 10 years n thought being clean that I was a guru or not able to ask ..There is a serious lack of help in mental health n family support on exiting .

04/06/2026

A dead shoplifter won't stop the next shoplifter.

This morning I read a story about a man who allegedly shoplifted from a shopping centre not too far from where I live. He fled the scene, collapsed and died.

Couldn't help myself, but I dove straight into the comments.

"Good".
"Excellent outcome".
"I love good news stories".
"Hopefully there'll be more of it".
"I'm missing the tragic part".
"Glad he's gone".
"He won't be stealing again".

There were 100s more like this.

Not an ounce of empathy, all talking like they knew exactly who this man was and what led him there. Like he's just some scumbag that got what he deserved.

I also saw a few comments which went along the lines of

"I've had a hard life and I never turned to crime".

Yeah, maybe thats true, but after spending quite some time in this space, I think a lot of people have no idea what "hard" actually looks like.

Hard is not having to tighten the belt for a few months. Or cancelling the Netflix subscription. Or doing OT to cover some of the bills. Or lying in bed awake all night stressed about the mortgage.

If you've followed the page long enough, you'd know we've sat across people who genuinely don't know where they're sleeping that night.

We've sat with people who were introduced to drugs in their PRE-TEENS. People who grew up surrounded by violence, addiction, neglect.

We've met people who walked out of prison with one bag containing EVERYTHING they owned. No job. No licence. No money. No family. No support network. Nothing.

We've met people who've got out and are trying their best to stay clean but the only place they can get parole to is a boarding house filled with the exact people and environment they're trying to escape from.

We've met people who have never had a single positive role model their entire lives.

And NO, none of that excuses crime.

But if you can't understand how a person might end up making decisions out of desperation, then maybe you've never actually seen real struggle up close.

Earlier this year, my son and I were in the city when we watched police detain a man outside Target. He'd been caught stealing a pair of thongs. My son started crying.

He wanted me to intervene and ask if they'd let him go if I paid for the thongs. And just for the record, I don't raise my kids to hate police. I asked him what made him upset and he said 'He looks sad'.

My son saw a sad man. Most people would just see a thief.

So, truth is, we know nothing about the man in this story. We don't know what he was going through, what battles he was fighting. We dont know what happened in the hours, days or years before that moment.

Look, if this guy had stolen from you personally, broken into your home, hurt someone you loved I could probably understand the hate.

But all these people see is one headline that says 'SHOPLIFTER' and think its okay to celebrate his death.

FOH, you think one dead shoplifter is going to reduce crime? That the death of one stranger is going to keep the community safer?

Tomorrow there will be another person stealing. Another person battling addiction. Another person being released with no where to go.

You can celebrate someones ending all you want, it's not gonna change whatever is creating thousands more just like him.

04/06/2026

The following was sent to us by a mother who has given us permission to share it.

--

My son is currently incarcerated in SE QLD. I was looking forward to finally being able to hold my son after a long stint in jail. Now I’m losing hope, and my son who is finally getting his act together and growing up with the hopes to come home to his family his kids, is too.

Can I ask a question as a mum who is trying to understand the justice system?

My son is currently incarcerated and has recently been charged with multiple counts of breaching a DVO while in custody.

What I struggle to understand is that he says he was told by the protected person that the DVO was being amended, and he believed that was happening. He also says her phone number was added to his approved contact list under a different name, and that letters and photos of their children were sent under a different name.

My son has already applied for parole and was hoping to be released later this year. These new charges have left our family worried and confused about what happens next.

Can anyone explain how charges like these might affect a parole application? Also, if the alleged breaches occurred some time ago, why would police wait nearly two years before laying charges? Is that common?

I'm not looking to argue with anyone or blame anyone. I'm simply a mother trying to understand the process and what my son may be facing moving forward.

Thank you to anyone who can offer respectful advice or share their experience.

Kind regards
Confused Mother

03/06/2026

Two weeks from now, a man I've recently spoken to could be in prison.

He hasn't told his kids it might happen. Or his boss. He hasn't even allowed himself to think too far ahead.

He's just going to work every day pretending everything is normal while waiting for a magistrate to decide whether or not he loses his freedom.

I spoke to him last week. He's terrified! He's not your typical 'crim'.

Early 30s. Wife. Kids. Full-time job.

The kinda guy you'd probably stand next to in line at Bunnings and never think twice about.

He's not claiming to be innocent. He owned it, straight up.. but without saying too much he was just a guy making poor decisions trying to keep his head above water in the wrong kind of way.

He knew he was pushing his luck. Kept telling himself he'd pull his head in and every time would be his last.

Until eventually there wasn't a next time and now he's waiting to be sentenced.

This will be his first time in jail, and the questions he had for me weren't what I had expected.

He wasn't worried about prison itself. It wasn't about the violence. Or sharing a cell. Didn't ask about prison politics or even how long he might get.

His concerns weren't about his time inside. They were about the life that would keep moving without him.

What happens to my job?
What happens to my wife?
How do I explain this to the kids?
What do I tell people?
How often will I get to speak to them?
What if they think I abandoned them?

That last one hit me as I had to live through exactly the same thing.

The reality is, most people out here have no idea what prison is actually like. Their understanding comes from movies, TV shows..

But most people do understand is what it's like to be a parent...

To tuck your kids into bed... to take them to sport on the weekend... to sit around the dinner table together. To just 'be there'.

And now for the first time in his life he's facing the possibility of not being there.

The offences happened a while ago. Since then he's cleaned his life up. Changed his crowd. Focused on work. Focused on his family. Even gave up the booze.

Done everything he can think of to become a different person from the guy who made those decisions.

But consequences don't disappear just because you've changed.

So now, every day he wakes up and the first thing he thinks about is sentencing. He'll be sitting at work and it'll pop into his head. He'll take the kids to the park and it'll pop into his head.

I asked him what scared him the most. Then he got me with another one that just felt too close to home,

"I'm scared my kids will think I chose this".

Now, this post isnt about whether he deserves to go to prison or not. That's not my decision to make. And it's not about excusing his behaviour either.

This is just to highlight something we rarely talk about... The human side to waiting.

The months between the offence and the sentence. The sleepless nights. The anxiety. The uncertainty... Alone.

Nobody around him knows what hes carrying.

He still goes to work

Still smiles.

Still answers 'good mate' when someone asks how he's going...

Prison might not be for another couple of weeks, but mentally he's already there.

02/06/2026

$128,692. That's how much it costs Queensland taxpayers each year to keep one person in prison.

The stats say just under half of the people released from prison in Queensland will end up back behind bars within two years. People who work inside the system often tell me the reality of this is much higher. And after spending years in prison myself and watching the same faces come and go, I'd have to agree.

For anyone new to the page, my name is Vincent.

Almost three years ago, I walked out of prison. And if I'm gonna compare myself to many others who've been released, I was lucky.

I had a family. A home. Didn't have to worry too much about money. I had a car. Most people will get out to FAR less.

Some walk out to homelessness. Some to boarding houses. Or couch surf. They have no transport, no support network and nobody waiting for them at the gate.

But somehow they're expected to rebuild their entire lives from scratch.

During my time inside, I spoke to countless men who had plans for when they got out. Men who were tired of this life, who genuinely wanted change.

They spoke about getting a job. Reconnecting with family. They just wanted a normal life. Then I'd see them come back...

Again. And again... and again. I remember thinking, "how many chances do these guys need??"

It wasn't until I was released myself that I truly understood.

How many times can someone hear 'no' before they stop asking? How many job applications can someone submit before they give up? How many closed doors can someone walk into before they start believing they're never getting through one?

Again, I was lucky. After months of applying and sitting unsuccessful interviews, I was like stuff it, I'll work for myself (though finding insurance nearly stopped me from doing this too!)

People like to get in the comments and say we should use our time wisely inside and complete the courses. Gain qualifications. Work on ourselves. Prepare for release.

Well one, don't get me started on the 'courses' available (or lack of), and two, what's the point if theres no opportunity waiting on the outside? What's the point of telling someone to change if every door remains shut once they do?

Because eventually, you can't help but start to feel that these are the cards you're dealt and nothing will ever change. And when that happens, prison starts looking really familiar again..

People say prison should be hard. The reality is that for some people, prison is easier than the alternative. Inside theres a bed. Food. Routine. Structure...
.. An IDENTITY. A SENSE OF BELONGING.

I know people inside who are eligible for parole RIGHT NOW but choose not to apply because they know they have nothing waiting for them on the outside. They know they will turn back to crime just to survive. How f*cked is that.

Now just over a year ago, two mates which I had met inside were released from prison. Both had spent most of their adult lives in and out of prison. Both were over it but just couldnt get anyone to give them a go.

Around the same time, I had a couple of mates who were looking for workers. I was a little reluctant to link them up, but you know what? They're both still working today. For both of them, this is the longest they've stayed out of prison in their adult lives.

Since starting InsideOut Pathways, we've seen this same thing happen over and over again.

Not because anyone was given a hand out, it was because they were given an opportunity.

And now after a rollercoaster year, what started as a post to help a few more people getting out, has grown into a registered charity.

Over the last year we've spoken with hundreds of people impacted by the justice system. We have also connected with employers, support services, community organisations, families and people who all believe that someone shouldn't be defined forever by the worst thing they've ever done.

We're not a job agency. People don't need to reach out to us. But they do. These are people who want to work. People who are trying. People who are doing everything they can to stay out of trouble and build a better life.

What they're missing is opportunity.

Today we have vetted candidates ready to work.

People with trade experience. Labouring experience. Warehouse experience. Hospitality experience. People with licences, tickets and skills.

So, my question to local businesses - Do you need workers?

Because we'd love to talk to you.

You might help someone keep a roof over their head.
You might help a parent provide for their children.
You might help break a cycle that has repeated itself for years.

And who knows?

The person you take a chance on might end up being one of your best employees.

And beyond helping one individual, you're helping build a safer community for all of us.

Every person who finds stable employment, keeps a roof over their head and stays connected to their family is one less person cycling back through the justice system.

After all, surely the goal isn't just to punish people... It's to stop them coming back...

If you're an employer and would like to explore giving someone a second chance, please fill out our employer expression of interest form:
https://forms.gle/zEfQApG4PTX8jQP59

If you're looking for work after prison, or know someone who is, complete our candidate form:
https://forms.gle/iBUDGi59pLxRGxpK9

Or feel free to reach out to us directly at
[email protected]

Let's create more success stories.

l&r
Vincent

29/05/2026

"What does giving someone a second chance mean to you, if anything?"

This is one of the questions we ask employers who reach out to InsideOut Pathways looking to give someone as opportunity.

The following are answers which came from business owners. Employers. People who have staff to manage, wages to pay and business to run.

"Being a criminal doesn't determine someones ability to be a good person".

"A mistake is something you learn from, so why should it be held against you indefinitely?"

"Second chances are needed for people to learn and grow, because if they don't get opportunities they just go backwards again".

"Once upon a time someone gave me a second chance that enabled me to get to there I am today".

"A second chance for someone who is ready to change can be life-changing, not just for them, but for everyone around them".

"... and there's no such thing as rehabilitation without a second chance".

"Most people aren't where they are today because they never made mistakes".

Blown away by the responses we have received and would like to thank ALL employers who have reached out to us.

These employers who believe in second chances aren't people who think crime is okay. They are people who understand that human beings are CAPABLE of CHANGE.

If we genuinely believe people can change, then eventually we have to give them somewhere to prove it. Because every closed door, every rejected application, every employer who refuses to even have a convo sends a message.

A message I've had to battle myself just recently:

No matter how much better we do, it still won't be enough.

That sent me on a deep spiral. It's a dangerous place for someone to end up mentally. And for a lot of people, they stop believing in themselves. Stop applying for jobs. Stop putting themselves out there.

They stop BELIEVING there's any point TRYING!!

And when that happens, they often fall back on what they know. Why? Because they can't see another option!

Most people don't wake up wanting to fail. Or go backwards. Or return to prison. They want what everybody else wants.

A purpose. Something to lose. Something to protect.

Thats why employers are so important as they're often the difference between somebody moving forward and somebody giving up.

Right now, we have vetted candidates ready to work. People who have reached out to us. People who are ready to put in the work. They just need an employer whos open enough to have that conversation.

They need to that opportunity to prove themselves.

If you're an employer willing to have a conversation, we'd love to hear from you.

Employer EOI: https://forms.gle/zEfQApG4PTX8jQP59

Looking for work/support: https://forms.gle/iBUDGi59pLxRGxpK9

What do people genuinely think a second chance should look like?

InsideOut Pathways Inc

16/06/2026

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29/05/2026

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