Peter Dunne

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - United Future leader Peter Dunne is highlighting the case of a prisoner desperate to be rehabilitated but getting no psychological treatment.

Mr Dunne got a letter from a prisoner serving a five-year sentence, which the New Zealand Herald reported today.

"My offender plan requires me to have psychological therapy, also the New Zealand Parole Board has asked for the same," the letter said.

"After almost three years, 50 to 100 letters to the prison administration, the director of psychological services, regional and local management, ministers of the Crown, I'm yet to engage in one-on-one counselling.

"I have made it clear to one and all that I want to take part in any rehabilitative programming, yet despite my efforts, nothing has happened."

Mr Dunne said the case was not unusual.

"The issue has been around access to proper rehabilitation services while in prison. What this letter shows is that, despite all the talk, it's still not happening in sufficient numbers to be making a big impact."

Last week the annual Salvation Army "state of the nation" report showed little or no progress in reducing the rates of reoffending.

Nearly half (48 percent) of released prisoners reoffended within 12 months, and 37 percent ended up back in prison within two years. The rates have changed little in the past five years.

Spending on rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for each prisoner has fluctuated over the same period: it was $10,048 in 2005, $7896 in 2007 and $9417 last year.

Last year Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced a programme to double the number of prisoners who can have drug and alcohol treatment to 1000 by next year. Other measures included rehabilitation for shorter-term prisoners, and boosting to 1000 the number of prisoners learning work industry skills.

Ms Collins said the law prevented her from intervening in individual cases, but it was important to pass the prisoner's letter on to the department to be dealt with.

"I am always concerned if there is a genuine situation where someone wants to get rehabilitated [but is not receiving treatment]. It's important for us to get as much rehabilitation as we can for those who want to be positive and want to change their lives."

Prison Fellowship NZ national director Robin Gunston said it was common for prisoners trying to reform to struggle to find help.

"We've noticed a subtle shift. Now it's all about public safety, more resources in razor wire and security systems, more training for staff in handling safety issues, rather than an emphasis on helping people regain their lives."