Prisoner textile industries are supplying Child, Youth and Family (CYF) residences with mattresses and bedding, and the client is impressed.
Child, Youth and Family’s Property Advisor Cheryl Randerson says Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) has provided a one-stop-shop for the critical task of fitting out Care and Protection and Youth Justice Facilities with secure mattresses and fireproof bedding.
“Child, Youth and Family’s requirement for these residences is very specific and CIE have exceeded our specifications in terms of product, delivery, and service,” says Cheryl.
CIE Business Development Manager Win McDonald says CIE has developed and tested its product range over the last few years and is delighted to be filling this niche market.
She says the mattresses and bedding were originally developed for use inside prisons.
“In secure facilities where evacuation cannot be immediate there is a need for products with really high safety standards.
Not only this, but they need to be suitable for New Zealand’s environment and be pretty durable as well.”
Materials were tested in New Zealand and internationally by accredited independent testing authorities for their flame retardant properties, their ignitability, and the heat and smoke they gave off when burned.
“We also looked for breathability and tear resistance. What we ended up with weresheets, pillowcases, blankets, duvets, mattresses, mattress covers and pillows that wear well, fit the solid construction beds we have, are difficult to ignite, and selfextinguish if they do go up,” says Win.
Secure and fireproof bedding products are manufactured in prisoner textile industries at Auckland, Waikeria, and Christchurch Prisons, and are providing prisoners with valuable training and experience.
In the 2004/05 financial year, textiles provided prisoners with 120,000 employment hours and 69 unit standards. In 2005, six prisoners received their Level 2 National Certificate in Apparel and Textiles.
While this training is run inside a prison, the qualifications received by the prisoners are no different to what is available to the public, says Win.
“With each unit standard completed prisoners gain credits which are recorded on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority database. Prisoners can slowly accumulate unit standards that contribute towards a National Certificate. As these can be achieved in any accredited institution prisoners can continue training once released,” she says.
“This is all part of the drive to provide prisoners with work experience and qualifications that will aid them gain sustainable post-release employment.”
CIE only offers unit standards which are recognised as valuable by the industry and have worked closely with the Apparel and Textiles Industry Training Organisation to best meet industry needs. Six instructors and a Business Manager, who is also an ITO registered internal moderator, oversee the process and ensure prisoners are assessed at the same level as others training in this industry sector.
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ISSN 1178-8453