Kowhiritanga is a group-based programme for female offenders with identified rehabilitation needs.

The programme is run in prisons and in the community. It is co-facilitated by a psychologist and a programme facilitator.

The key factors targeted for change by the programme are:

• violence propensity
• anti-social attitudes
• offence related/ problem thinking and feelings
• criminal associates
• poor self-control and impulsivity
• self-management and problem solving skills
• alcohol and drugs, as both a rehabilitation need and a health issue
• relationship difficulties.

The programme also incorporates a relational approach, which takes into account the different ways that women relate to others and form attachments. Other factors considered are the abuse and victimisation of the women themselves, and substance abuse as they relate to the offence process. However, when these issues are identified as needs, the women are referred to specialist services.

Length of programme

10 weeks, 40 sessions of 2.5 hours for 4 times per week.

Location

All women’s prisons, and some locations in the community.

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