Personal Progression System
has as its core the Development Partnership of the Northern
Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), the Probation Board for Northern
Ireland (NIPB) and the Northern Ireland Association for the
Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NIACRO). This partnership
represents a vehicle for the development of an innovative strategy
to proactively enhance the employability of ex-prisoners which,
if successful, should see a reduction of re-offending and recidivism.
The aim of the project is to develop a continuum, based on individual
need, from inside prison through to release thus aiding resettlement
and reintegration into the community.
In Action 1 of the programme
there have been a series of meetings held between representatives
of the core partners that have focused on developing three job
descriptions (Programme Development Officers). Each of these
jobs will be located in Maghaberry, Magilligan prisons and the
Young Offenders Centre at Hydebank. The target group is also
being identified within each of these establishments.
Currently NIPS provides
training education and basic skills inside the establishments,
PBNI provides social welfare services inside the prison and
statutory supervision for a significant percentage on release.
NIACRO currently provides benefit advice as well as assistance
and guidance in the community in respect of, amongst other programmes,
employability.
PPS seeks to develop connected
provision taking account of issues such as housing, education,
cognitive behavioural programmes, finance, drug and alcohol
lifestyles as well as mental health problems as these are related
to enhancing employability. In short, PPS is attempting to address
employability in respect of ex-prisoners in a holistic and impactive
manner.
