CORRECTIVE Services NSW has launched a new scheme to expand services to help inmates transition into the Kempsey community.
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The scheme, called the Funded Partnership Initiative (FPI), assists parolees by providing transitional support upon their release from the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.
The FPI includes an Initial Transition Support service in Kempsey.
It will be run by arbias, a not-for-profit national company, in partnership with ACSO which was successful in its tender bid for Kempsey.
“We believe this model will deliver effective early intervention in reducing re-offending at a reduced cost to the community compared to incarceration," said arbias CEO John Eyre.
Mr Eyre said each case worker has been recruited via a rigorous process, ensuring staff are highly skilled and experienced in working with people who are at risk of returning to prison.
“Our case workers will provide support to parolees with high to very high complex needs, such as acquired brain injury, mental health and alcohol and drug issues," said Mr Eyre.
“Each person referred to us by Corrective Services NSW receives an initial intensive 12-week episode of support and is linked with informal and formal supports and services in the local community.
"Our case workers will help them gain life skills and employment, and to find sustainable housing options through re-integration in the local community.
“The case worker supports each person on release from prison in close collaboration with Corrective Services NSW’ Community Corrections officers."
Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner for Community Corrections, Rosemary Caruana, said the first 12 weeks of support offered under the ITS is crucial, as Corrective Services NSW figures show an offender is 2.5 times more likely to return to prison in the first three months of release, compared to nine to 12 months down the track.
“Corrective Services NSW dedicated Community Corrections Officers based in Kempsey will work closely with arbias case workers to determine the most effective support for individual offenders, as this scheme is about improving community safety," she said.
“It is important we have a support safety net for offenders who are from the Kempsey area and who return their after their release from prison, so they can better reintegrate into society.
“We will keep close track of an offender’s progress in reintegrating and if an offender requires further transition support after the first 12 weeks, there is the capacity to extend that support on a case-by-case basis."