The Medium Intensity Rehabilitation Programme (MIRP) teaches male offenders how to alter the thoughts, attitudes and behaviour that led to their offending, and assist them to develop strategies for maintaining any positive changes.

The MIRP is a group-based programme for male offenders with identified rehabilitation needs (except sexual offending) and a medium risk of re-offending. The programme includes constructing an offence map, challenging attitudes and thoughts that lead to offending, managing emotions, managing relationships and managing conflicts, as well as developing safety plans.

Although it is not a bicultural programme, the programme content is responsive to the cultural needs of Maori offenders. This includes the use of Te Whare Tapa Wha model of balance and well-being. 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
- interpersonal skill deficits and relationship difficulties.

Length of programme

13 weeks, 53 sessions, 4 times a week for 2.5 hours

Location and Provider

• In nearly all prisons and in the community.
• The programme is delivered by two Corrections facilitators.

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