New reintegration service for Rotorua
New reintegration service for Rotorua
Corrections
Minister Anne Tolley says a new reintegration service in the
Rotorua district will help reduce reoffending by providing
post-release support for prisoners so they can stay
crime-free.
Starting this month, Healthcare of New Zealand will work with up to 45 prisoners each year who are being released on conditions or on parole in Rotorua, Tokoroa and Taupo, and who would previously have had no access to support.
Each offender will be supported for six months,
with the provider managing their transition back into the
community by helping them to find sustainable accommodation
and employment, while reconnecting them with families and
whanau.
The service will also work with the prisoner
while inside the wire, and provide accommodation for up to
twelve weeks immediately after release if needed, with
strict rules around behaviour.
“The days and weeks straight after release from prison are a challenging time, and we don’t want offenders returning to crime and creating more victims because they haven’t been able to access services or find accommodation,” says Mrs Tolley.
“This new service will make the transition back
into normal life less difficult for offenders. We know that
if they have a place to stay, alongside employment and
stable relationships then they are less likely to commit
more crimes.
“The offenders will also still be managed
by probation officers, who will ensure that they fulfil any
release conditions.”
The new service will cost up to $8,250 per offender depending on the level of support required, and will include prisoners who are not eligible for the recently announced Out of Gate reintegration programme, as their sentences have been for longer than two years.
ends