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A Cautious Approach Jim van Rensburg The Reintegration Puzzle 2013

A Cautious Approach Jim van Rensburg The Reintegration Puzzle 2013. Rehabilitation & Employment Services Circles of Support and Accountability In New Zealand.

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A Cautious Approach Jim van Rensburg The Reintegration Puzzle 2013

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  1. A Cautious Approach Jim van Rensburg The Reintegration Puzzle 2013 Rehabilitation & Employment ServicesCircles of Support and Accountability In New Zealand

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. CoSA – The Beginning 1994 Ontario, Canada Mennonite Church Rev Harry Nigh CoSA applied to offenders on WED (Warrant Expiry Date)

  5. 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)

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

  7. Circles Europe • 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

  8. 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

  9. 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 TePiriti in 2009

  10. Pilot Project Pilot Project approved Started in 2009 at TePiriti Buy-in from Parole Board Other key stakeholders on board Low public profile Learnt from overseas experience

  11. Te Piriti Special Treatment UnitAuckland

  12. Circle of Support & Accountability Professionals Volunteers Coremember

  13. First Circle of Support & Accountability - 2010

  14. 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

  15. Outcome of Pilot project (Offenders) • 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

  16. Pilot Outcome (Volunteers) • 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

  17. Pilot Outcome (Stakeholders) • 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

  18. Effect • 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

  19. Current Challenge • 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

  20. Whereto from here? • 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

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