Funding for prisoners to stay straight

A government scheme that will see up to $8250 funding given to convicted criminals when they are released from prison is getting support locally.

Corrections Minister Anne Tolley has announced a reintegration service in the Rotorua district aiming to reduce reoffending by providing post-release support for former prisoners so they can stay crime-free.

Starting this month, Healthcare of NZ will work with up to 45 prisoners each year who are being released in Rotorua, Tokoroa and Taupo, and who would previously have had no access to support.

Each offender will be supported for six months, with the provider managing their transition back into the community by helping them to find accommodation and employment, while reconnecting them with families and whanau.

The service will also work with the prisoner while inside jail and provide accommodation for up to 12 weeks immediately after release, if needed, with strict rules around behaviour.

"The days and weeks straight after release from prison are a challenging time, and we don't want offenders returning to crime and creating more victims because they haven't been able to access services or find accommodation," Mrs Tolley said.

"This new service will make the transition back into normal life less difficult for offenders."