‘The most challenging part is in few cases where some offenders breach this contract and later we are to take action such as informing the court which will then decide what to do’

To help prepare the Department of Social Welfare and supervisors in the implementation of the Community-Based Correction Act 2018 a training was organised for 40 participants.

This training programme was conducted at Galaxy Hotels and Apartments in Labasa yesterday.

Senior Social Welfare officer, probation and juvenile justice, Jeremaia Moce said this training would upskill them.

“On how to supervise offenders placed out of court, sentenced under the community-based corrections and community work act and probation offenders act which are being used,” Ms Moce said.

“As social welfare officers we are to follow orders from the court.

“Instead of sending offenders such as children under the age of 18 to correction centres they are placed in the community under supervisors’ care to carry out the necessary work.

“So we contact the supervisor from where the offender is from and they sit down and draw a contract which the offender has to follow.

“The most challenging part is in cases where some offenders breach this contract and later we are to take action, such as informing the court which will then decide what to do.

Ms Moce said sometimes offenders failed to understand that they were given a second chance to improve.

“Secondly, we need manpower to help offenders in the rehabilitation programme or on probation. We are having this training now to strengthen our roles.”

Ms Moce said participants were new supervisors ready to carry out their roles. We will do our follow-ups.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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