October 01, 2012
Investment in prisoners’ children would reduce crime
More support for the children of prisoners is being touted as a solution to inter-generational crime.
Christchurch based group Pillars has been holding a Children of Prisoners Week this week to highlight what happens to tamariki if their parents go to prison.
Founder Verna McFelin says as many as 23,000 children in New Zealand had a parent in prison.
These children, and especially the children of Maori prisoners, were up to seven times more likely than average to end up in prison themselves.
She says the corrections system needs to consider that when they look at their targets for reducing offending.
“One of the key components is the family. If they work hard at supporting the family, making things right for them, they will have a reduction in crime. They are a key element in reducing crime in New Zealand. They need the respect and support that all of us can give them,” she says.
Verna McFelin says there has been a great response to the Pillars’ exhibition in Christchurch featuring drawings and quotes by children from across the world