NCJ Number
108670
Date Published
1984
Length
85 pages
Annotation
In 1983, a pilot program providing financial assistance to releasees from Paparua prison in Christchurch, New Zealand was implemented.
Abstract
Major objectives of the program were to reduce the incidents of immediate reoffending, provide sufficient funds for releasees to meet their immediate daily needs, and reduce the frustration experienced by them in dealing with assistance agencies. The main component of the program was two prerelease meetings during which inmates were provided with information on available assistance and how to apply for it and with help in completing necessary unemployment forms. Compared to a control group of inmates, program inmates completed their unemployment applications 20 days earlier, received their first benefit payment 1.5 days earlier, and received special need grants of higher amounts. In addition, both program releasees and agencies reported experiencing less anxiety and frustration in their contacts. The program, however, did not produce significant intergroup differences in recidivism in the first month postrelease, largely because it failed to ensure that releasees had adequate funds for their needs upon release. Suggestions for improving the program are provided. Supplemental research data and forms are appended. 29 references.