Call for government review of ‘second chance’ policies for ex-offenders

Government should conduct a state sector wide review of policies and practices which discriminate against reformed offenders, and consider whether the current policies are unfair and/or discriminatory. That is the view of Rethinking Crime and Punishment Director, Kim Workman.

“Within the 250,000 convicted offenders who form the Department of Corrections ‘offenders pool”, are thousands of ex-offenders like Aaron Amor, the sacked WINZ employee, have led a crime-free life for ten years or more. People who have gone that long without committing an offence are about as likely to commit a criminal offence, as someone who has never been convicted."

“What they need is a ‘second chance’. But in recent years, government agencies and businesses have become so risk averse, that they deny reformed offenders the opportunity to make good. That in turn stigmatises them and their families, and keeps them functioning either as beneficiaries, or unskilled workers. The whole process runs contrary to the Kiwi idea of giving someone a fair go."

“Reformed offenders will repay employers tenfold. They are usually extremely loyal and hardworking. Those who get involved in the helping professions often have a desire to contribute back to the community and society, and are highly committed to the task.”

“Current policies particularly disadvantage Maori men over 15 years old, 40% of whom have either been in prison or served a community sentence. Given that in a recession, Maori unemployment exceeds general unemployment by a factor of three, the policies are designed to perpetuate a Maori underclass.”

“This gatekeeping is out of kilter with the government’s overall goal of promoting social cohesion. Clearly, there are some cases where previous offences are such that there is a significant safety or security issue. But I know of women and men who were convicted of minor offences such as shoplifting, who have been offence free for years, and who are doing brilliant work within the helping profession. They are the ˜wounded healers" of our generation. It is heartbreaking when they are not only denied registration as social workers or within some other profession, but are also denied training grants and opportunities to help them qualify."

Government should conduct a state sector wide review of policies and practices which discriminate against reformed offenders, and consider whether there are ways in which those offenders who have transformed their lives, can be assisted into meaningful work, and into a professional career. The review should also look at hiring practise within the business sector. That could in turn lead to ˜second chance" legislation, to give transformed offenders the chance to contribute back to the community in a significant way.

Kim Workman
Director
Rethinking Crime and Punishment

ENDS

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