Briefing on the Challenges faced by Correctional  Supervision and Parole Boards…(Durban Management Area)….

Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all Presentation to Port Folio Committee 8 September 2009

Composition of the Board

•	Two Boards based at Westville Correctional Centre serve the Durban Management area,

•	Total sentenced offender population: 6220

•	Adults: 5271

•	Juveniles: 949

•	CSPB number 1

- Chair: Ms M. Adams

- Vice-Chair: Mr. B. D. Tshabangu

- Secretary: Mr. S. Tshaka

- Clerk: Mr. GGT. Sithole & Ms. J. Naidoo (1 Vacant since September 2008)

- Community member: Mr. R. V. Ntombela(1Vacant since February 2006)

Methodology

•	Procedure

- CSPB1: responsible for Med B & C - Correctional Centers

- CSPB 2: responsible for Umzinto, Med A, Youth Centre and Female Correctional Centers

- CSPB engages in regular liaisons and consultations with respective CMCs

- CMC's forward the comprehensive G326 to the respective CSPB

- CSPB registers receipt of G326

- CSPB Clerk formally checks and verifies documentation and accuracy of calculations, hands to the secretary for final verification.

- On completion, secretary in consultation with the Chairpersons determines the agenda

- CSPB sitting is scheduled and all relevant stakeholders are informed of the sitting

- Sittings are held at CSPB Offices since August 2009, relative to being non center based, however Medical Parole applications are considered at the CC Hospital.

- CSPB is formally introduced to offenders scheduled for the sitting, by the CSPB Secretary

- Offender is considered and informed of the decision taken through a formal minute procedure based on the G326

- Victim is considered upon request, physically or a written submission

Challenges

1. OFFENDER

•	Non availability of Sentence Plans and Offender Risk Profiles with the exception of Centers of Excellence (Female & Youth CC's)

•	Rejected by families and communities, particularly the youth adversely impacts on SED & recidivism rates

•	Restorative Justice / Complainant Involvement - Nature and sensitivity

•	Risks of recidivism relative to current unemployment trends

SECTION 79

•	Totally reliant on medical reports confirming offender is terminally ill,

•	Some offenders released from 2005 have recovered however Policy does not permit for renouncing of Sect. 79, only re offending and failing to comply with Parole conditions does,

•	Absence of immediate responses from Ministerial Office in respect of lifer applications

•	Offenders who are sick ( HIV / AIDS, Cancer etc.) or physically challenged but not terminally ill to qualify for consideration as a medical placement.

2. SAPS

•	Representatives at CSPB Hearings

•	SAP 62's, SAP 69@'s

3. DOJ

•	Representatives at CSPB Hearings

•	Sentence Remarks

•	Processing of Court actions against DCS without all internal options having been exhausted in terms of the CSA 111/1998 Section 75 (8)

Challenges continued

4. SCARCITY OF RESOURCES

•	IT equipment, updated computers & programmes, laptops, printers and a functional email & internet service all year round,

•	Fax machine, photocopier

•	Visual equipment

•	Security Risk vs. Office Structure and design

5. CSPB Personnel

•	Vacant posts, that is 1 Chairperson, 2 Clerks and 2 Community Members

•	Centre Based vs. Non Center Based

•	Current Community Members contracts, renewed on a three monthly basis, permanency is awaited upon,

•	Chairpersons contracts expire in July 2010, possibility of renewal.

EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES

1. OFFENDER

•	Region acknowledges the need to maximize the implementation of Sentence Plans and Offender Risk Profiles as per the National Strategy Plan.

•	Numerous options are explored by Social Workers with little success.

•	Social workers & CMC's playa key role, however the complexities of certain cases requires special skills.

•	The victim bears all costs including therapeutic services vs. all costs for the offender borne by DCS.

•	Engagement of offenders with external service providers and Seta's for training, development and employment opportunities.

SECTION 79

•	Applications in respect of Section 79, are considered immediately and the medical fraternity is engaged, as and when is necessary for clarity.

•	Policy amendment appears necessary to address the identified challenges "terminally ill, to die a consolatory death"

2. SAPS

•	SAPS responded favourably to the presence of a representative, however commencement is affected by the need for clarity in respect of funding of this post by SAPS.

•	Court liaison Official currently being utilized to access SAP 62's and 69 @'s, significant progress is noted and due to being repeatedly reported at local SAPS Forum meetings

EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES CONTINUED

3. DOJ

•	Repeatedly reported at the Magistrates Forum meetings requires interventions from a higher level authority as DOJ is not aware of such representation

•	Funding was secured in the Management Area to access Sentence Remarks

•	Formally registered with Legal Services and State Attorney's office.

4. SCARCITY OF RESOURCES

•	Reported at all levels

5. CSPB PERSONNEL

•	Reported at all levels

Thank you

Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all