reducing re-offending operating principles purposeful offender interactions | seamless management of...

Reducing Re-offending Operating PrinciplesPurposeful offender interactions | Seamless management of offenders | Succeeding with Māori | Professional judgement | Evidence based approach | Optimised external relationships | Department-wide collaboration | Cost effective & efficient services

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Rehabilitation & Employment Services

Circles of Support and AccountabilityIn New Zealand

A Cautious ApproachJim van Rensburg

The Reintegration Puzzle 2013


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There is much to be proud of in the systems that have developed to protect our children and the public generally from those people assessed as posing a high risk of continuing harm.

It is, however, the responsibility of us all to ensure that such work is carried out in a manner that is respectful and exemplifies humanity and care.


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Continuing legislation that toughens and tightens the freedom of individuals in the name of public protection is not always in the best interest of society as a whole.

If we demonise a particular group of people, excluding them from our communities, their risk will rise and others will be hurt. These are the challenges we all face in the successful management of those who have committed sexual offences and remain a risk to the public.Chris Wilson : “Managing the Problem” - 2011


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CoSA – The Beginning

•1994 Ontario, Canada• Mennonite Church• Rev Harry Nigh• CoSA applied to offenders on WED

(Warrant Expiry Date)


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Circles UK

• Circles in the UK started in 2000• Release of CSO created public anger• Home office reluctant – unsafe for volunteers• Lucy Faithful Foundation – obtained funding• Soon followed by Quakers in Thames Valley • Organic (Canada) and Systemic (UK)


Circles UK

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• Success in Thames Valley• Growing number of individual projects• 2007 – Circles UK formed• By 2010 = 74 circles in UK


Circles Europe

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• Circles started in Netherlands 2008• In 2009 : Circles Europe – Together for

Safety• Funding from European Union• Now in Belgium and other European

countries.• Pilot Programmes in Ireland and Scotland


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Challenge in NZ

• Increasingly tough sentences• Preventive Detention (PD) a way to contain risk•2002 – Change to 5 year min parole period for PD sentences•By 2007 – 121 on PD


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To Treat or not to Treat

• Men on PD eligible for treatment• Treated but then not released•Lacked robust support•Had to show – no longer a risk to society•CoSA introduced at Te Piriti in 2009


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Pilot Project

• Pilot Project approved • Started in 2009 at Te Piriti•Buy-in from Parole Board•Other key stakeholders on board•Low public profile•Learnt from overseas experience


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Te Piriti Special Treatment UnitAuckland


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Circle of Support & Accountability

Professionals

VolunteersCore member


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First Circle of Support & Accountability - 2010


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The Circle Process

• Determine readiness of potential core member• Identify suitable volunteers (vetting process)• Temporary releases• Expand circle and train volunteers• Involve professionals (Probation, Police etc)• Release by Parole Board• Support Circle operation• Takes 12 – 24 months


Outcome of Pilot project (Offenders)

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• Ten men released on circles • Four recalled, one of whom re-offended• Longest out 42 months, five out between

18 – 36 months• Temporary releases critical• Trust between circle and probation critical• Circles instrumental in recalls


Pilot Outcome (Volunteers)

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• 56 Volunteers were recruited and trained• Key supporter finding others• No major public announcements or promotion• Networking and addressing small groups• Introduce them to Parole Board - transparency


Pilot Outcome (Stakeholders)

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• Key stakeholders approved and supported the project•No panic or anger thus far•Thankfully not tested through misconduct•Maori and Pacifica People support CoSA•Circles now also at Kia Marama


Effect

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• Circle becomes substitute family• Re-offending reduced significantly • Quality of offenders’ lives improved• Volunteers say its a meaningful experience• 68% in community feel safer when offender in circle (Canadian research)• Saves tax payer in excess of $50K p.a. per released prisoner


Current Challenge

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• Expectations of PD offenders• Currently 142 in prison• Formed “prep” group at unit 9 – currently 12 men• Selection panel to determine readiness• Need many more volunteers• Need funding – training, volunteer expenses etc• Need to go public with confidence


Whereto from here?

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• Circles ideally a joint venture between State and Community• Should ideally be managed by a joint Trust, mainly funded by State •Should be available to all high risk CSO Submission made to National Office • Accepted in principle

reducing re-offending operating principles purposeful offender interactions | seamless management of...

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