Boksburg Correctional Services hosts reintegration orientation

Boksburg Correctional Services held an orientation programme for parolees, probationers and their families/support networks on April 18, aimed at fostering understanding and compliance in terms of parole and correctional supervision.

The programme is part of the Department of Correctional Services’ efforts to successfully reintegrate convicts into society.

Led by professionals, the orientation provided invaluable insights and resources for both offenders and their support networks.

Boksburg Correctional Service, reintegration Case Management Supervisor (RCMS) Penny Kutumela outlined the conditions and expectations placed upon the new parolees and probationers.

“The session is aimed at creating a triangular support which requires the three role players – the offenders, families and the department – to pull together to ensure compliance and permanent reintegration of offenders back into society,” said Kutumela.

She provided an overview of the requirements, which included unscheduled home visitations by the office to ensure compliance, refraining from using alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse, performance of community service, scheduled office visits and restrictions on moving out of magisterial districts without prior approval.

“Offenders are expected to dedicate 16 hours per month to community service as a means of giving back to the community,” said Kutumela.
In addition, she warned them not to commit any more crimes.

Services
Spokesperson of Boksburg Correctional Services, Sello Modise, highlighted the pivotal role of stakeholder engagement and community involvement in the reintegration process.

“We are responsible for registering and monitoring community service, conducting meaningful projects such as cleaning and painting schools, establishing food gardens to give back to the community while also providing skills development programs for victims of crime, unemployed youth, as well as parolees and probationers.

“Additionally, our office conducts monthly community outreach projects and stakeholder engagements through the Community Corrections Forum, which includes SAPS, EMPD, CPF, NGOs, Department of Social Development, GDE, and faith-based organisations.

“We aim to support and ensure successful reintegration of parolees and probationers into society,” said Modise.

Meanwhile, Boksburg Correctional Service social worker, Nonhlahla Nkosi explained the different services they provide to parolees, probationers and their families.

“Our services aim to support parolees/probationers and their caregivers by building relationships between offenders and their families.

“We provide substance abuse programmes, anger management, parenting skills, youth programmes, life skills programmes, individual sessions and group sessions tailored to offenders who share similar backgrounds,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi added that whenever offenders need assistance, they schedule them for different programme sessions on various days, ensuring accessibility and tailored support for all.

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