Probation & Parole Department Unveils New Initiatives

The Department of Probation and Parole Services is embarking on a series of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing rehabilitation, improving victim support, and strengthening public engagement. Director Cuthbert Henry, who spoke at a press conference on Friday, emphasised the department’s commitment to transparent operations and effective partnerships. Among the key developments highlighted by Henry was the implementation of a new continuum-of-care model. This holistic approach ensures that individuals entering the justice system, primarily through court-ordered services, receive personalised care and support from their initial engagement to community reintegration. “This model consists of a holistic path… from the first point of contact with us to the return to the community through parole, probation orders, or court-ordered community sentences,” explained Henry. To better equip its staff, the department recently concluded intensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques aimed at addressing complex patterns of offending behavior. “We have a rigorous training plan to place us in a position to respond to the growing complexities of offending behavior,” Henry noted, acknowledging the need for innovative approaches in rehabilitation. Another significant focus for the department is addressing the lack of sexual offender screening and expanding victim support services. “The absence of sexual offender screening is...