The Throughcare program has shown promising signs in its early stages.

It works by supporting offenders upon release from prison in a string of challenge areas, including housing, health, income and basic life skills.

Support services provide intensive help to offenders as they are released to help them reintegrate into the community.

The time immediately after a prisoner's release is thought to be full of risk.

Released prisoners can reoffend, their health can deteriorate, drug addictions can take hold, job opportunities can be missed, and they can struggle with money and housing.

The Throughcare program was described as an Australian-first when it was launched early last year. It resembles a successful initiative used to drive down reoffending in Norway.

Only 12 per cent of participants in the ACT’s Throughcare program have ended up back in prison.

Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury signalled the government's commitment to the program, revealing a further $2.176 million over two years will be provided in Tuesday's budget.

''By continuing to work closely and supporting detainees post-release we are further targeting our efforts in addressing systemic causes of imprisonment for the majority of detainees," Mr Rattenbury said.

"This will result in lower incarceration rates and a safer, more secure community.''

The announcement comes as ACT corrections authorities deal with the explosion in prisoner numbers putting pressure on the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

A major $54 million expansion of the centre has been announced, which is expected to add 110 beds by mid-2016.

Two new cell blocks will be built, which it is hoped will give the prison capacity to meet projected inmate numbers for decades.

Strategies such as the Throughcare program are designed to reduce pressure from the other end, by cutting the ACT's reoffender rates.

Recidivism rates have continued to be a problem in recent years, despite concerted efforts to encourage rehabilitation and prevent reoffending.