Corrections doubles its drug rehab programme

21 February 2007

Corrections is doubling its efforts to help prisoners address their alcohol and drug use.

Corrections Minister Damien O’Connor announced today that three new Drug Treatment Units will open over the next two years.

A unit will open at Hawkes Bay Prison on 1 April 2007 followed by one at Rimutaka Prison on 1 July 2007 and another at Spring Hill Corrections Facility near Auckland on 1 July 2008.

Drug Treatment Units have already been established at Waikeria, Christchurch Men’s and Arohata Prisons.

The 24-week programme provided for participants includes behavioural therapy, education on addiction and change, building new skills, group therapy and one-to-one therapy.

Research has shown that reconviction rates for those who have been through a Drug Treatment Unit are 13 percent lower over a 24-month period than for "untreated" offenders.

To be admitted to a Drug Treatment Unit, prisoners must:

• Be assessed as alcohol and/or drug dependent.
• Be able to complete a six-month programme before release.
• Be assessed to have a high risk of re-offending or re-conviction.
• Acknowledge and accept the need to do something about it.
• Have sufficient intellectual capacity and English language ability to allow participation in a group situation.

While in the DTU prisoners must:

• Adhere to the contract they signed upon entry into the Unit - including a stipulation to be drug and alcohol free.
• Complete the required number of programme hours.
• Agree to attend other activities and work education programmes when not participating in the DTU programme.
• Submit to drug tests when required.