Mission …”to reduce crime and its impact on people and communities” Jeff Maxwell. Senior Practitioner, NIACRO

Northern Ireland * (population of 1.7million) Belfast (population of 268,389)

Background of Conflict Rapid increase on Prison Population since 1970sRapid increase on Prison Population since 1970s Focus on Security rather than RehabilitationFocus on Security rather than Rehabilitation Some communities developed approaches to deal with their problems Some communities developed approaches to deal with their problems Defined communitiesDefined communities Significance of Voluntary and Community SectorSignificance of Voluntary and Community Sector

Impact on Communities Good Friday Agreement 1994Good Friday Agreement 1994 Legacy of the conflictLegacy of the conflict Escalation of illegal drug tradeEscalation of illegal drug trade Recent increase in Dissident paramilitary activityRecent increase in Dissident paramilitary activity DEVOLUTION of Justice Powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly – April 2010DEVOLUTION of Justice Powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly – April 2010

Context Northern Ireland has lengthy experience of offenders being under threat / at risk of violence from paramilitary organisationsNorthern Ireland has lengthy experience of offenders being under threat / at risk of violence from paramilitary organisations Every year more than 900 people present to NIACRO as under threat and around 40% are at risk in their communityEvery year more than 900 people present to NIACRO as under threat and around 40% are at risk in their community Most have to leave their area for their own safetyMost have to leave their area for their own safety

What is Base 2? Established 1990 Aims to provide a crisis information, clarification and support service for individuals and families who may be at risk of violence in the community.

Alleged Source of Threat Graph

Nature of threat Republican threats have increased significantly, due to increased activity by Dissident organisations and there has been increase in the number of punishment shootings, abductions and assaults. 52% occur in the Greater Belfast area.

Housing Executive Involvement

Functions of the Housing Executive Established 1971 by Housing Executive Act 1971 Examine housing conditions and housing requirements Draw up programmes to meet those needs Manage Housing stock ( 90,000 properties) Effect Improvement of condition of housing stock

Alleged Reason for Threat

Selected Outcomes of Service

APAC Working in Communities Working with Children and Young People who Offend Providing Services to Families and Children of Offenders Supporting Offenders and Ex-prisoners in the Community Working with Prisoners Influencing Policy Makers and the General Public

Offending in Northern Ireland Around 1,500 people in prison population but 5,000 are committed each yearAround 1,500 people in prison population but 5,000 are committed each year 72% male and 70% female sentenced prisoners suffer from two or more mental health disorders …… Social Exclusion Unit Report (Home Office 2002)72% male and 70% female sentenced prisoners suffer from two or more mental health disorders …… Social Exclusion Unit Report (Home Office 2002) Around 4,000 people supervised by Probation Board each yearAround 4,000 people supervised by Probation Board each year

How Does APAC Work Assessment of reintegration needs – Suitability of Accommodation, Health – physical/mental, and addictions, Education/Training and Employment Agrees a Plan – clarify area of responsibility, identify significant support structures in the community, including family members etc General counselling and support, befriending, establishing social networks, advice on budgeting, assistance in support of independent living. Awareness raising in terms of needs of neighbours and the community, responsibilities and consequences.

Person-centred Approach * Environment Community Family Individual Individual Individual -Mental health, addictions, response to up- bringing, institutionalisation, life skills, attitudes and self control, poverty Family Family -Family impact, families health, family support Community Community -how they view their community, what is in their community, how the community deal with the clients issues Environment Environment -poverty, housing issues unemployment, limited access to education or employ- ment opportunities

Recovery Resettlement Right living environment Good relationships Financial Security Satisfying work Personal growth Developing ones own cultural & spiritual perspective Developing resilience to possible adversity Being listened to & understood Getting explanations Being believed in Being empowered Accommodation Family & community Offending behaviour Finance Physical health Mental health Addictions Education / Employment Coping skills Motivation Self esteem Use of time