The Department of Corrections works with agencies such as NZPARS, the Prison Fellowship New Zealand and The Salvation Army (external link) to support the successful reintegration of offenders' back into the community.

These agencies provide advice and practical assistance to offenders prior to their release and can sometimes be their only supportive contact immediately following their release.

The Department's agreement with the agencies details its provision of reintegrative support services to meet the reintegrative needs of offenders.

New Zealand Prisoners' Aid and Rehabilitation Society ( INC ) ( NZPARS)

NZPARS began in Dunedin in 1877. Today the society is a federation of 20 societies with 500 volunteers and 40 paid employees.

NZPARS has a contract with the Department of Corrections to contribute to a reduction in re-offending by assisting offenders (and their family/whanau ) to address practical problems as they reintegrate back into the community or into home detention following their release from prison.

Specifically NZPARS assists offenders to address the following reintegrative needs:

• Obtaining employment
• Managing finances
• Managing relationship issues
• Developing pro-social community support
• Acquiring accommodation
• Assisting to prevent victim related problems
• Assisting with post release health care continuity

NZPARS is also responsible for the Community Residential programme at Montgomery House, a programme for offenders with violence issues.

Go to the NZPARS website.

Prison Fellowship New Zealand

Prison Fellowship New Zealand, contributes to the reduction of re-offending through a national volunteer based prison programmes and services.

Volunteer Support and Development

Prison Fellowship's work includes:

• Coordinating and promoting the work of volunteers in prisons
• Assisting the prison chaplaincy
• Creating opportunities for volunteer involvement as mentors, pastoral visitors, teachers, and prison activity, in after care support, and support for the children, families and victims of prisoners.

Programs and Services

Prison Fellowship is also contracted to provide prison programmes, including:

• He Korowai Whakapono (the faith-based unit) at Rimutaka Prison;
• Operation Jericho, a prisoner reintegration programme in the Wellington region
• The provision of in-prison restorative justice programs and services, e.g. Sycamore Tree

Go to the Prison Fellowship of New Zealand website.

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