In this first episode of The Road After Prison: Care, Recovery and Safer Communities, Professor Goodman Sibeko is joined by Michael Chaple, an internationally recognised expert in correctional behavioural health, implementation science, and justice systems integration. Michael reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his recognition that punishment and incarceration alone were not effectively reducing crime or supporting recovery.

They explore the relationship between substance use, mental health, and rehabilitation in correctional settings, and why these environments can provide an important opportunity to begin treatment. Michael also explains why re-entry planning should start during incarceration, with continuity of care and practical support in place before release to help people successfully return to the community.

Featured Voices

Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko

ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.

Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.

LinkedIn: goodmansibeko

Twitter/X: @profgsibeko

Guest – Michael Chaple

Michael Chaple is an internationally recognised expert in correctional behavioural health, implementation science and justice-health systems integration. His work has focused on strengthening substance use and mental health services in correctional settings and improving continuity of care as people return to the community. Learn More>>

Time Stamps

[00:00] – Introduction

[02:21] – Michael’s Journey into Correctional Behavioural Health

[03:53] – From Research to Implementation in Correctional Settings

[05:36] – Why Rehabilitation and Evidence Matter

[07:00] – Correctional Settings as an Opportunity for Treatment

[08:49] – Integrating Substance Use and Mental Health Care

[10:33] – Why Re-entry Planning Must Begin During Incarceration

[12:41] – Bringing Rehabilitation into a Security-Focused System

[15:18] – Preparing for the Practical Realities of Re-entry

[16:38] – Closing Reflections

About the ISSUP Exchange

The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.

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About ISSUP

ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.