Special Conditions Relating to Programmes

Introduction

In accordance with international evidence on the most effective use of programmes, the Department of Corrections will continue to target intensive programmes at offenders at greater risk of re-offending, and who have indicated a willingness to actively participate in such programmes.

Intensive programmes available in the community include

• residential programmes (for example AOD treatment programmes, or community residential centres)
• medium intensity rehabilitation programmes designed and delivered by the Department of Corrections (previously known as criminogenic programmes), and
• child sex offender treatment programmes.

These will be available to offenders sentenced to intensive supervision or HD.

Community- based interventions

The community-based interventions delivered directly by the Department of Corrections are targeted at men aged over 20 years, who are assessed as at medium to high risk of re-offending (Risk of Reconviction/Risk of Imprisonment (RoC*RoI) of 0.3 – 0.7).

A specific programme has also been developed for women offenders over the age of 20. Work will be undertaken during 2007/08 to design and implement a programme suitable for young offenders.

Individual psychological counselling is available for some high risk offenders in the community.

The Department is currently designing a new programme for 17- to 20-year-old offenders in the community. It will be available from 2008/9.

Intensive rehabilitation programmes/special treatment units

An intensive rehabilitation programme has been developed for high risk offenders serving a prison sentence. The first programme will be based in a special treatment unit in Waikeria prison and commences mid-2007.

Two further special treatment units will be established over the next two years. Other specialised treatment units (addressing needs such as AOD abuse, child sex offending, and violence) are also available in prisons.

Less intensive programmes

Less intensive programmes available in the community include:

• stopping violence programmes (delivered by providers accredited under the Domestic Violence Act (DVA), contracted by the Department of Corrections)
• AOD counselling services (delivered by providers contracted by local District Health Boards (DHB), and
• gambling addiction services delivered by providers contracted by the Problem Gambling Foundation).

Note: These programmes will usually be recommended for offenders on a sentence of supervision.

Other services

Probation officers also support offenders to access a wide range of other services available in the community (but not specifically funded for offenders as a group). Examples of such services include:

• relationship counselling
• budgeting and other financial advice services, and
• parenting courses.

If the needs of an offender are such that multiple referrals and/or programmes are required, a sentence of intensive supervision or HD will usually be recommended. Otherwise, these referrals can and will be made from a sentence of supervision.