Ford highlights positive work to rehabilitate and support prisoners

Justice Minister David Ford has updated the Assembly about the work ongoing within the Prison Service to help rehabilitate prisoners and reduce reoffending rates.

Responding to an Assembly question David Ford said:  “I have often said that people are sent to prison as punishment, not for punishment.  Recognising that the vast majority of prisoners will return to our community, we have done much in recent years to ensure that we use the time that people spend in prison to address the types of behaviour that put them in prison, to rehabilitate them and prepare them for return to society. 

“In September last year, I published ‘Supporting Change - A Strategic Approach to Desistance’, setting out my Department’s commitment to providing a flexible, person-centred approach which reduces reoffending.

“The Prison Service contributes to this strategy by making rehabilitation central to how prisons operate; providing opportunities for people to change and make a positive contribution to their families and wider society.”

Continuing the Minister said:  “The Prisoner Development Model supports, challenges and motivates people throughout their time in prison.  Individual risks, needs and strengths are identified so that a structured, tailored Personal Development Plan is agreed with a prisoner to assist them as they prepare for release.    

When appropriate, people in custody may also participate in programmes to address the distorted thinking and attitudes which have led to their offending behaviour, thereby reducing the likelihood of future offending. 

Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College provide a wide curriculum of learning and skills across prison establishments, all of which will result in an accredited outcome.  The Prison Service also works in partnership with employers to provide work experience and job sampling opportunities for prisoners prior to their release. 

In all of these ways we have put rehabilitation and transformational change at the heart of the Prison Service in Northern Ireland.  That remains the direction of our Prison Service and the Prime Minister’s recent statement suggests that England and Wales are now on the same path.”

Notes to editors: 

All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 0769 971 5440 and your call will be returned.

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