Reintegration support
Every day, Corrections supports hundreds of people to return safely to the community following time in prison. That help starts at the earliest opportunity with training and education, addressing health needs, and planning for the future. Supporting people who leave prison reduces the likelihood of re-offending, meaning we’re all safer.
Almost everyone who goes to prison will one day be released, and it can be challenging to readjust to life in the community. This includes getting used to new technologies and new ways of doing things.
People can also face prejudice because of their conviction, making it harder for them to find a place to live or get a job. Supporting people to make positive life choices, and break the cycle of re-offending, is a key part of reintegration.
| Reintegration Journey | |
|---|---|
Reintegration starts at the earliest opportunity in prison or as part of pre-sentence reports for community-based sentences. This can include help into employment through training, education, and gaining experience in prison industries. | When preparing for release, a case manager will look at what help the person needs to live independently. This might include accommodation, family support, or connecting to other government services. Ongoing support can last weeks, months, or years. |
Success is a person living independently, positively contributing to their family and community, while living a crime-free life. | |
Six Pillars of Reintegration
There are six key areas of support to help an offender to make positive life changes. Click on the links to view information about each area and the services available to help.
- Accommodation – secure, safe, appropriate, long-term sustainable accommodation. Corrections helps people leaving prison to find supported accommodation where appropriate.
- Education and Training – acquire skills, training, and qualifications to obtain and retain sustainable employment (read more on the education and training in the community page)
- Employment – gain employment experience in prison and support in the community into work (Check out ourJobseekers page for support in the community)
- Skills for Life – building skills to manage a household, family and financial commitments, and the resources required to successfully reintegrate into the community.
- Oranga: Health and Wellbeing – support to address mental, physical, and cultural wellbeing needs.
- Family/whānau and Community Support – support to establish, maintain, and/or enhance relationships with family and the wider community (Check out our information on parenting programmes in prison)
Further support services
Out of Gate
Out of Gate helps people on a sentence of two years or less, or on remand, transition to the community from prison. The service starts with developing a reintegration plan ahead of release. Support continues for the person and their whānau for up to six months.
Te Whare Hāpai Tangata reintegration service
For young men aged 18-24, a mentor works with each person to develop a support plan to set them up for success in the community. This includes finding a safe place to live, a source of income, and building new skills to achieve their goals. The mentor also works with whānau so they can access social services and help their family member.
Support starts before release and continues for between 3-6 months post release.