COMMUNITY progams will soon be introduced by Mount Gambier’s ac.care after it received a $15,000 grant to help reduce criminal reoffending.
The programs will help to enhance protective factors around offenders at Mount Gambier Prison to help the State Government to achieve its target of reducing reoffending by 10pc by the year 2020.
Corrections Minister Chris Picton said he hoped the new grant, which was awarded through the 2017-18 Department for Correctional Services (DCS) Community Grants Program, will help aid that goal.
“We are aiming to make sure prisoners do not end up back in a life of crime when they are released from prison,” Mr Picton said.
“Reducing reoffending improves community safety, which means less crime and victims while easing the prison system pressure and reducing taxpayer costs.”
The Tenancy Education Program provides offenders with resources to make informed decisions in relation to accommodation options.
It aims to provide support and services upon release for offenders moving into transitional housing.
“This initiative is about bringing community groups on board to help change the behaviour of offenders,” Corrections chief executive David Brown said.
“Corrections cannot do this alone – we need the expertise of a broad range of support and service providers.”
