Howard League supports Prison Home Building Scheme

10 September 2013

Prisoners at Rolleston Prison in Christchurch are renovating houses from red-zoned properties, an innovation launched today by Prime Minister John Key and attended by the Howard League.

Housing New Zealand and the Department of Corrections are transporting houses from red-zoned land to Rolleston Prison where the prisoners will work to repair and upgrade the home.

“The prisoners will gain skills and qualifications through this work. This project sends prisoners a positive message that they can change their lives and contribute to society again, said Howard League spokesperson Jarrod Gilbert.

“But most importantly it will lead to fewer victims of crime, and that should be our number one priority.

“If prisoners can’t get jobs coming out of jail, it is much more difficult for them to support themselves and turn their lives around. The first 12 months out of jail is the highest risk period for re-offending. This type of rehabilitation project will give many prisoners the tools to work when they are released from prison, breaking old habits and establishing a new lifestyle.

“The Rolleston Construction Yard shows that prisons can be a place of change for prisoners. This scheme tells us that the Department of Corrections wants to get smart on crime, not just tough on crime, Dr Gilbert said.

Research shows that rehabilitation leads to less offending, fewer victims and safer communities. These are priorities for the Howard League, New Zealand’s longest-serving crime and punishment reform group.

The Howard League is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. It works with volunteers from all aspects of the community to help New Zealand get smart on crime and justice.

ENDS

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