21 March 2006

Mark Welcomes Corrections' Rehab Rethink

New Zealand First Corrections spokesperson Ron Mark has welcomed news that the Department of Corrections is to axe some of its counter-productive rehabilitation programmes.

Mr Mark highlighted his concerns to a select committee that some offenders taking part in the programmes are more likely to re-offend than those who did not take part.

“The Minister is to be congratulated for dumping the failed Mixed and Straight Thinking Programmes," said Mr Mark.

“New Zealand First has long expressed concern about the vast amount of money spent on ineffective rehabilitation programmes, and will continue to monitor the 'new suite of criminogenic programmes' that have been announced today.

“Rehabilitation programmes need to be based on three things: first, the need to identify all inmates who have drug and alcohol dependencies, and provide programmes that focus on these addictions.

“Second, the screening of all inmates to identify mental health problems and intellectual disabilities, ensuring that those inmates receive the appropriate treatment.

"Finally, education is the key component to rehabilitation. Education will give them the tools and the skills that they need to turn their lives around," said Mr Mark.

ENDS

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