Monday October 14, 2013

Women’s integration support launched to curb reoffending

New services aiming to reintegrate short term female offenders back into the community to reduce re-offending by 25 percent by 2017 start today at the Auckland Region women’s Correction Facility.
This follows an initial launch on Oct 14 at Christchurch Women’s Prison and Arohata Prison .
Presbyterian Support Northern is contracted to deliver the service to the Department of Corrections and expects to target 370 women offenders nationally who are sentenced to two years’ imprisonment or less, or those in custody on remand.

Offenders will be able to discuss their reintegration needs with social workers who will continue to provide support after release by linking women with housing, employment, education, health and other support agencies in the community.

General Manager Community Initiatives Presbyterian Support Northern, Nicola Brehaut says, “Our Family Works Social workers are well positioned to be the connection that offenders need to reintegrate with their families and communities. From picking up offenders at the prison gate to supporting them to attend appointments – the extra accountability and support provided will lead to high levels of reintegration success.”

The service is optional for offenders and is amiable for up to three or six months after release.

ENDS

© Scoop Media