Were you on probation during the 1960s and 1970s?
The Histories of Probation project, led by Dr Louise Kennefick (Maynooth University) and Dr Deirdre Healy (University College Dublin) aims to uncover and document people’s experiences of probation supervision. The researchers would like to hear from anyone placed under probation supervision by the courts in the 1960s or 1970s, whether this was a probation order, community service order, suspended sentence or temporary release. Please email probationhistories@gmail.com or call 01 474 7208.
It is widely accepted that securing employment plays an integral part in reducing re-offending rates and creating safer communities. With this in mind, the Probation Service and Irish Prison Service (IPS), supported by the Department of Justice and Equality, established a Social Enterprise Steering Committee in 2016 to oversee and drive the development of ‘social enterprise’ initiatives as a way of increasing employment among people with criminal convictions. The ‘Social Enterprise Project’ arose from this process.
In 2019, IASIO was asked by the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service to host the Social Enterprise (SE) Project and submit a proposal in that regard. IASIO believes there is mutual benefit in hosting the SE Initiative in IASIO as IASIO shares common objectives with the SE Initiative, in particular around employment opportunities for people with convictions.
One way of supporting social enterprise is through purchasing the goods and services they provide. BuySocial.ie helps to connect you with trading social enterprises which have been set up to do good and sell products and services to achieve that end. Check out buysocial.ie for their full product/service listing.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, launched a public consultation on Spent Convictions policy in early October. An effective Spent Convictions regime is essential for the reintegration of former offenders and to facilitate them in making a positive contribution to society.
IASIO is grateful to the Minister for the opportunity to share our thoughts and experiences with the Department. Our submission can be read below:
New Probation Service Director Appointed
Huge congratulations to Mark Wilson on his appointment to the role of Probation Service Director. We are very much looking forward to continuing our good working relationship with Mark.
€40 million COVID-19 support package launched
Minister for Rural and Community Development , Michael Ring, TD, and Mr Seán Canney TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development have announced the launch of a €40 million package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises.
More information on the fund is available here
On July 2nd, Probation Service Director Vivian Geiran launched a new scheme which aims to create jobs and support social enterprise in the criminal justice sector.
The ‘Kickstart’ Seed Fund programme will provide matching grants of up to €30,000 to organisations providing employment to former offenders and persons leaving prison. A total of €300,000 has been approved for the programme under the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Scheme.
The programme was developed jointly by the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service, as part of the Department of Justice and Equality’s Social Enterprise Strategy, ‘A New Way Forward’. IASIO is committed to supporting this strategy by providing access to Social Enterprise opportunities for suitable clients, and providing assistance more generally as the need arises.
More information on the Kick Start Fund is available on the Probation Service website here.
The closing date for applications is Friday August 31st.
IASIO’s Resettlement Service, in collaboration with the Irish Prison Service, Cork Sports Partnership and Cork ETB picked up the award for ‘Best Not for Profit Partnership’ at the Irish Institute of Training & Development’s National Training Awards on Friday, April 20th.
The purpose of the IITD National Training Awards is to promote excellence, best practice and innovation in training, learning and development, and to highlight the importance of this area in today’s climate.
The initiative attracted leaders in sporting fields to Cork Prison, encouraging participants to engage in a programme, accept recognition for their efforts and support their positive reintegration into society. The award was given in recognition of the excellence and professionalism shown by the collaborative team which was led by IASIO’s Colm Carey.
Well done to all involved- we are very proud!
Probation Service Strategy 2015-2017
The Probation Service has published it’s strategy for 2015-2017, under the title of “Lasting Change through Offender Rehabilitation.” It focuses on how the Probation Service can facilitate positive change, rehabilitation and social reintegration amongst people who have offended, in the community and in custody, to help achieve safer communities and fewer victims.
The publication can be viewed here
Department of Justice & Equality- Strategy Statement 2015-2017
On April 17th 2015 the Minister for Justice and Equality introduced the Department’s Strategy Statement for the 2015-2017 period. The aim of the statement is to set out the overall high-level objectives and policy goals of the Department of Justice and Equality for the next two years.
We echo the sentiment of the Irish Penal Reform Trust in welcoming the commitments made in the document- in particular those that relate to the implementation of recommendations of the Strategic Review of Penal Policy and the goals/actions listed under the objective of ‘A Safe Secure Ireland.
The document can be accessed here
The SFA highlight IASIO’s work
We are delighted to have featured in The Small Firms Association’s Better Business Magazine. The article highlights the benefits for businesses in employing people with previous convictions.
Read the article here
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