PBNI: RESET Mentoring Project 2016-2017

Overview

PBNI introduced Reset as a pilot scheme in 2015-16. Its aims were to positively impact on reoffending to ensure that, when possible and appropriate, recall could be prevented, and to enhance good citizenship outcomes for offenders and therefore benefit the wider community.

The project will operate throughout Northern Ireland, working with prisoners released from the three Northern Ireland establishments - Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank Wood.

The successful pilot employed a partnership approach, working with the CVS in order to implement the project and work with other statutory bodies. The mentoring scheme complements PBNI’s supervision of offenders in the community. It also supports the Prisoner Development Units in the prisons taking a desistance approach whilst in prison.

The target group for inclusion are male and female offenders, aged 18 years and over, with a medium or high ACE (Assessment, Case management and Evaluation) score and who are subject to statutory post-custody supervision by a Probation Officer (PO). Groups, particularly young men, will be prioritised in accordance with need and risk. The Mentors’ role is to complement that of the PO through the provision of practical support.

The Intensive Resettlement and Rehabilitation Project will be delivered for approximately 6 months from mid October 16 – 31st March 17 up a value of £245k, with the possibility of extension. PBNI invites applications from organisations that can meet the requirements and deliver on the objectives of the project in the Community and Voluntary Sector.

The grant award for this service will be made on the basis of merit demonstrated by the content and quality of the submitted application.