21 March 2006 For immediate release

Corrections Enhances Rehabilitation Programmes

The Department of Corrections today announced plans to replace two of its rehabilitation programmes with more intensive programmes over the next year.

Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews says, “Corrections reviews its programmes on an ongoing basis and the changes reflect recent research showing what works best at reducing re-offending.

“Corrections’ current range of programmes was designed when knowledge of what kinds of programmes work was in its infancy. More recent research shows that the intensity of programmes must be related to offenders’ risk of re-offending.

“International evidence and Corrections’ own evaluations show that two programmes – the 70-hour Straight Thinking programme and the 100-hour Mixed Programme (MPRO) – are not as effective as more intense programmes would be and they will be replaced.

“The two programmes are only a small part of Corrections’ range of rehabilitation programmes and Corrections’ underlying approach to reducing re-offending by addressing the causes of each offender’s offending remains unchanged.

“The new programmes will be based on current rehabilitation programmes and will include a 300-hour high-intensity programme for high-risk offenders, a 120-150 hour medium-intensity programme for medium-risk offenders, and a shorter option for individual or small groups of offenders.

“The new programmes will be supported by a relapse prevention programme for those who complete the programmes. Corrections will also trial the widespread delivery of a short motivational programme for short-serving prisoners.

“The new programmes will be focused on those offenders research shows are most likely to benefit from them, therefore having the greatest impact on reducing re-offending.

“We will continue to provide rehabilitation programmes addressing specific causes of offending – such as alcohol and drug, violence prevention, and driving programmes – until the new programmes are in place.”

ENDS

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