Unit of hope: Inside the Drug Treatment
Unit at Hawke’s Bay Prison.
Nine prisoners at Hawke’s Bay Prison took a large step in their rehabilitation this month, becoming the first graduates from the prison’s Drug Treatment Unit.
Acting Hawke’s Bay Prison Manager Yvonne Fuller says the 24-week programme, which includes behavioural therapy and education on addiction and change, is key to reducing re-offending.
“When you consider that 60 per cent of offenders are affected by alcohol or drugs at the time of their conviction, the need for programmes such as this is critical,” Yvonne says.
Evaluations show that reconviction rates for those who have been through a Drug Treatment Unit are 13 percentage points lower over a 24-month period than rates for offenders who have not been through a unit.
The nine graduates entered the programme acknowledging their addiction and accepting the need to do something about it. Each one signed a contract upon entry to the Unit agreeing to stay drug and alcohol free.
The prisoners also submitted to random drug tests to ensure they stuck to their commitment.
“This course drew the real me out, I couldn’t keep my jail mask on. It’s really helped me deal with my addictions,” said one graduate.
Hawke’s Bay’s Drug Treatment Unit is one of five around the country, with a sixth due to open at the new Spring Hill Corrections Facility in the Waikato in 2008.
Corrections contracts Care NZ to deliver Drug Treatment Unit programmes. Care NZ staff treat prisoners through cognitive behavioural therapy in both one-on-one and group situations.
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ISSN 1178-8453