Safer Communities

FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIETY

Safer Communities

Aim

To promote initiatives contributing to the reform of the criminal justice system, a fairer and more appropriate penal system, the effective rehabilitation of offenders, particularly females, and the promotion of family contacts to reduce chances of re-offending on release.

Priorities

• Crime in the community
• Alternatives to custody
• Preparing offenders for release
• Resettlement of offenders after release
• Female offenders

Typical Activities

• Crime diversion and prevention schemes especially with young people
• Work around community sentences
• Peer and other mentoring schemes
• Through the gate” resettlement schemes encompassing physical and mental health, housing, training, education and employment
• Substance abuse therapy and rehabilitation
• Sexual abuse and violence in the home
• Female offender and children work
• Support to families of offenders
• Parenting skills for offenders
• Advocacy and advice schemes
• Occupational therapy work
• Volunteering and placements under licence
• Trafficking

Likely Outcomes

• More opportunities pre and post-release for training, education and employment
• More opportunities pre and post-release for mental, physical and substance abuse support services
• Fewer female offenders
• More offenders released into a family context
• Greater resort to alternatives to custody
• More effective alternatives to custody