Helping inmates to Start Over
New Zealand Department of Corrections
Connecting employers with skilled and motivated workers while also making communities safer is the philosophy behind a new government initiative called Start Over.
Start Over was launched in May to a packed audience at Ullrich Aluminium’s head office in Auckland. Those present included employers, representatives from organisations that help offenders, community groups, plus Corrections and Work and Income personnel.
Jointly developed by the Department of Corrections Corporate Management group and the Ministry of Social Development, Start Over is about helping recently-released offenders into employment and encouraging employers to hire them.
A dedicated freephone has been set up for employers to call for more information or to register a vacancy. Calls to 0508 START OVER are received by Work and Income, who refer Start Over job seekers with suitable skills and experience to vacancies. Work and Income may also use its connections with community organisations and talk with the Community Probation Service to see if there is anyone available to fill the position.
Start Over is an opportunity for community-spirited employers to contribute to making communities safer. By the end of September 57 potential employers had registered with the scheme and 32 offenders had been successfully placed.
Research shows that employment plays a key role in reducing re-offending. One study by the Canadian Corrections Service found that offenders employed within the first six months of release re-offend at half the rate of unemployed offenders.
Start Over is one of a number of initiatives that the Department of Corrections has in place to rehabilitate inmates and provide them with training and work skills. For example, inmates working for Corrections Inmate Employment can gain New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved unit standards, which are the building blocks for national certificates and diplomas.
Photo caption:
Kicking off Start Over are, from left: Former Corrections Minister Matt Robson, Auckland businessmen Rajinder Singh and Gilbert Ullrich; and Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey.