Ex-offenders creating opportunities for themselves

The Offender Reintegration Programme

One of the greatest challenges people who have broken the law face is once again becoming constructive, contributing citizens. The Offender Reintegration Programme helps former offenders to achieve successful reintegration every step of the way. Families of offenders are also assisted, and special services for those who are presently serving a prison term are available. If you are a prisoner, a former offender or the family member of an offender, the NICRO Offender Reintegration Programme will help you.

Do You Need Help?

Services available to prisoners and former offenders include the Tough Enough Programme, the Esther Lategan Study Fund for Prisoners and their children, the NICRO Creative Arts Awards for Prison Art, a bus service and the Working For Water project in certain provinces, as well as general support and information services.

FOR THE OFFENDER

1. The Tough Enough Programme

This 9 - 12 month intensive programme asks prisoners, while they are still in prison, whether they are tough enough to undertake the challenge of living a constructive life. They enter the programme voluntarily and are required to commit to the process. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their lives and create a better future for themselves and their families.

A NICRO service deliverer works closely with the offender and his/her family or community to resolve the complex problems of returning to and resettling in society, and will encourage the family and community to create an environment that is conducive to achieving the goals that the Tough Enough participant has set.

The person chooses to enter into a contract with NICRO , which lays out the responsibilities of both parties, and states that full commitment is required for the duration of the programme. Where possible the participant is assigned a mentor. In addition, the programme offers economic opportunities and other skills training. It is a tough option, but one that can help the former offender to succeed.

Many participants form support groups that function both inside and outside of prison so that they have help to achieve their goals. NICRO also assists families to form support groups to help them while their family members are in prison.

2. The NICRO Creative Arts Awards for Prison Art

The Creative Arts programme offers prisoners the opportunity of unleashing their creativity and expressing themselves through art. An annual competition and awards ceremony recognises and pays tribute to the talent of offenders. The competition is open to all prisoners in the following categories: painting, fabric painting, matchstick construction, recycling, calligraphy, wood crafting, leatherwork, needlework and poetry and prose. [click here for more details]

Can You Help?

Perhaps you are able to assist NICRO in the Offender Reintegration Programme. You could:

• Apply to become a mentor to a former offender;
• Provide employment opportunities for a former offender;
• Support a studying prisoner financially or academically;
• Offer art training in prisons;
• Provide equipment to NICRO [click here for more details];
• Support the child of an offender by contributing to his/her education and maintenance; and
• Offer financial support, big or small, to the project by contacting your nearest NICRO office or NICRO’s National Office.

Please contact your nearest NICRO office to get or offer help.