Re-launching of the community corrections stakeholders forum

Different stakeholders met at the correctional service at the Witbank Prison for the Re-launching of the community corrections stakeholders consultative forum.

Mr Phuti Msimango addressing during the Re-launching of the community corrections stakeholders consultative forum.

Mr Z. Madlala opened with a prayer and Mr Mandla Bongwe welcomed everyone present.
Head of Community Corrections Mr Humphrey Skosana explained the aim of the gathering in terms of the Correctional Service: Policy on Community Participation.

The new electronic monitoring (em) which will be used to monitor offenders by making use of an electronic tracking device that is fitted around the offender’s ankle.

He stated that the objectives of Community Participation are:

*To create an environment that would allow for the effective participation of the community in the rehabilitation of offender.
*To regulate the entry for establishment into the Department through structured audit and quality assurance processes and procedures.
*To create opportunities for establishment of relationship, maintenance of partnership and networking between DCS and the community.
*To formalize collaborative partnership through formal Service Level Agreement.
*To monitor and evaluate service and programs rendered by the community in order to enhance and maintain the standard of service provision.
*To integrate and coordinate service rendered by service providers to offenders in order to prevent duplication and over-servicing and to ensure more effective and efficient use of resources.
*To create opportunities for the effective re-integration of offenders into the community.
*To ensure continuity of service.
*To involve ex-offenders in rehabilitation efforts.
*To market the Department, its needs and services to the community.
*To develop knowledge of and the best practice on successful intervention and participation.

Presentations were made on different issues, on service, roles, achievements and challenges, staff support, unit management, monitoring and social support.

Head of Community Corrections Mr Humphrey Skosana explaining the aim of the gathering in terms of the Correctional Service.

Mr Phiti Msimnago addressed the forum about the role that community corrections play in integrating offenders back into society. He further urged the stakeholders to meet corrections department half way and reminded them that corrections service is a societal responsibility.

Comments and suggestions were received from the delegates. Mr Skosana declared the Community Corrections Stakeholders Consultative Forum officially launched and that it will sit quarterly according to the Community Corrections policy. Mr Skosana further gave each organisation a chance to nominate one representative that will sit on the Community Corrections Stakeholders Consultative Forum and said that they have seven days to submit the names of their representatives.

The delegates were all thanked for attending the forum.