The Department of Probation and Parole Services is embarking on a series of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing rehabilitation, improving victim support, and strengthening public engagement.
Director Cuthbert Henry, who spoke at a press conference on Friday, emphasised the department’s commitment to transparent operations and effective partnerships.
Among the key developments highlighted by Henry was the implementation of a new continuum-of-care model.
This holistic approach ensures that individuals entering the justice system, primarily through court-ordered services, receive personalised care and support from their initial engagement to community reintegration. “This model consists of a holistic path… from the first point of contact with us to the return to the community through parole, probation orders, or court-ordered community sentences,” explained Henry.
To better equip its staff, the department recently concluded intensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques aimed at addressing complex patterns of offending behavior. “We have a rigorous training plan to place us in a position to respond to the growing complexities of offending behavior,” Henry noted, acknowledging the need for innovative approaches in rehabilitation.
Another significant focus for the department is addressing the lack of sexual offender screening and expanding victim support services. “The absence of sexual offender screening is another urgent area that we will be equipping our members… to deal with,” said Henry. He recognised the critical gap in servicing victims’ needs and detailed ongoing efforts to engage central government and other partners to close this gap.
Henry also highlighted strides in community outreach and engagement around parole processes.
Over the past four years, the department has worked to strengthen its capacity to handle parole matters, including meeting with community members to discuss the reintegration of parolees. “We have done a lot of community work around the island… and it appears to us that a significant cross-section of our citizens have a renewed view of accepting persons back into the communities,” he said.
Acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding parole decisions, Henry invited the public to engage in open dialogue. “We understand years of no victim support, years of no meaningful offender rehabilitation,” he said. The department is committed to ensuring transparency, listening to community concerns, and maintaining diligent assessments before recommending parole releases.
Henry reiterating the importance of collaboration with the media and the public to ensure accurate, impactful communication and lasting change in the community.
Good to see progressive steps in the rehabilitation of offenders. This area of the criminal justice has lacked behind.
A suggested approach adopted in some countries is to treat drug addiction as a public health issue. This creates a different mindset from just incaseration and punishment.
I am all for alternative to custodial sentences in certain circumstances, as it’s obvious prison does not work .
This is an amazing venture in the justice system.imagine a thought came to mind this week,about the number of people entering the justice system without any rehabilitation when they get out , it’s like the problem is still there with all the emotional damages done from point of entry to exit . With seeing this post in a matter of days with this in mind , it shows the Universe is fully connected and making ones thought count .Just wanna say great job and jail isn’t the answer in every situation . We can all make a great change by just Caring on a human to humane son daughter mother father sister brotherly level ,even in the most difficult situation. Am all for parole. #give a chance .*Purpletale*