Progress: Implementation of Correctional Supervision and Parole Board KwaZulu Natal Region

1
Progress Implementation of Correctional
Supervision and Parole Board KwaZulu Natal
Region ..
Building a caring correctional system that truly
belongs to all
Presentation to The Select Committee on Security
and Constitutional Affairs 12 September 2007
2
Introduction

• M Adams Masters Medical Science/ Social work
• 1989-1990 Dept Social Welfare (Field Social
  Worker)
• 1990-1997 St. Thomas Childrens Home (Social
  Worker)
• 1997-2002 St. Thomas Childrens Home (Principal)
• 2002-2004 Part time Unisa Supervisor for Social
  work Students
• 2002-2003 Association for the Physically
  Challenged (Fund raiser)
• 2003-2005 Association for the Physically
  Challenged (Social Work Manager)

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Total Number of CSPBs in the Region

• KZN has 8 Correctional Supervision and Parole
  Boards in seven management areas
• Durban 2 CSPBs
• Empangeni
• Glencoe
• Kokstad
• Ncome
• Pietermaritzburg
• Waterval

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Decision Making Procedures

• Procedure
• CSPB engages in regular liaisons and
  consultations with respective CMCs
• CMCs forward the comprehensive G326 to CSPB
• CSPB registers receipt of G326
• CSPB Clerk formally checks and verifies
  documentation and accuracy of calculations, hands
  over to the secretary for further confirming.
• On completion, secretary in consultation with the
  Chairperson/ Vice Chairperson determines the
  agenda.

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Methodology

• A quorum CSPB sitting is scheduled and all
  relevant stakeholders informed of sitting
  including complainant if and when necessary.
• Complainant is considered upon request,
  physically or through written submission.
• Sitting is held at the respective Correctional
  Centre
• CSPB is formally introduced to offenders
  scheduled for the sitting as per agenda.
• Offender is formally informed of CSPB hearing
  procedure.
• Offender is engaged in a direct dialogue focusing
  on the nature of the offence, impact on the
  community, family and complainant. The pathway
  of rehabilitation is also focused upon with the
  prospect of social re-integration.
• Offender is considered and informed of the
  decision taken verbally and through a formal
  minute procedure.

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Challenges

• Co-operation from SAPS and Justice in providing
  the following documents - SAPS 62
• - SAPS 69(c)
• - Sentence remarks timeously.
• Absence of written and physical inputs from SAPS
  and Justice at CSPB hearings
• Lack of clarity in respect of restorative justice
  concept.
• Social issues of job opportunities, poverty and
  societal stigmatisation.
• Attitude of indifference demonstrated by certain
  judges and magistrates in the legal fratenity
  with regard to conversion applications.
• Inconsistencies by Justice in sentencing
  offenders.

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STEPS TAKEN AND RECOMMENDATION TO ADDRESS
CHALLENGES

• Formally registered at quarterly Magistrates /
  SAPS forum meetings, with regard to their
  presence at CSPB hearings.
• In light of slow progress in this regard
  Corrections Directive and CSPB registered such
  concerns to the Portfolio Committee during their
  visit to the Region.
• Protocol and procedures are to be clarified
  however, CMCs, Social Workers and Spiritual Care
  Workers are utilized in specific and selected
  offences currently.
• Offenders are encouraged to participate in
  Learnerships and Skills training for prospective
  employment opportunities.
• CSPB actively networking with businesses and
  Farmers Association for employment.

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LESSONS LEARNT

• Regular meetings with Area Commissioners,
  Corrections, Head of Correction Centres, Case
  Management Committees, Professionals, Provincial
  Commissioners Office, Head office (Pretoria),
  impacts positively on CSPB processes and the
  forging of such partnership is critical
• Networking is also of great value and
  particularly with NGOs and CBOs and Private
  Business Sector
• The formalisation of a strategy and marketing
  plan clearly defined a goal orientated direction
  for CSPBs
• Community involvement is to feature more
  prominently.

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SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY

• CSPB Chairpersons / Vice Chairpersons and
  Community Members are part of societal structures
  and obliged to uphold their societal
  responsibilities.

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• Thank you
• Building a caring correctional system that truly
  belongs to all