A Wanganui-based kaupapa Māori drug and alcohol treatment programme is helping offenders turn their lives around.
The Hapai Mauri Tangata programme delivered by Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority's Alcohol and Other Drug Service is designed to address re-offending. The programme is run both in the community and in Kaitoke Prison and supports offenders with drug and alcohol abuse problems.
“Many offenders have no support when they are released from prison,” says Hapai Mauri Tangata Team Leader Tisa Ingley. “If there is no support, the first thing they go back to is drug and alcohol abuse.”
The widespread nature of the problem is reflected in the fact that a high percentage of inmates at Kaitoke Prison are in for drug- and alcohol-related offences. Prisoners have either committed crimes under the influence of drugs and alcohol or have offended to fuel their addictions.
Currently, 20 prisoners are on the programme and receive one-on-one counselling from three of the four-strong drug and alcohol counselling team. Hapai Mauri Tangata also works with offenders who are on community-based sentences and orders, including home detention.
Offenders who want to be part of the programme are referred by the prison social worker. However, the key is they need to be motivated to make changes in their lives, says Tisa.
In the confidential counselling sessions participants delve into what triggered them to use drugs and alcohol.
“We are not an authority figure, which is why prisoners find it easier to talk to us. They can be open and honest with us. Even after one session, the prisoners seem a lot lighter when they leave the room,” says Tisa.
The long-term results are also positive, even with hardcore drug and alcohol abusers.
For example, one former prisoner went through the drug and alcohol programme while in prison for his third serious drug charge. Since his release he has remained drug free for 23 months and hasn’t re-offended.
Such successes motivate the team to continue their rewarding work.
The Community Probation Service and Hapai Mauri Tangata have a mutually-beneficial relationship, says Tisa. “We work well together because we are open with each other. Any issues our clients have we can report back to CPS and these are addressed in a timely manner. They are really supportive of us and want the best for the people going through their system.”
Te Oranganui is an iwi-funded organisation that covers Ngati Apa, Nga Rauru and Te Atihaunui A Paapaarangi. However, everyone, Maori or non-Maori is welcomed into the Hapai Mauri Tangata programme.
A contract has just been secured for the organisation to run a four-bed supported accommodation house and day programme. This is a huge step for Hapai Mauri Tangata, which plans to expand its programme to help more people and to cover all addictions.
“Te korowaitia te puna waiora, hei oranga motuhake mo te Iwi”
“(To empower change is to assist in adding absolute wellness to our people”)
- Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority's Kaupapa Ake