What eligibility criteria, referral criteria, prioritisation criteria, or assessment criteria, if any, will apply to remand prisoners accessing expanded rehabilitation or reintegration services funded through the “Corrections Rehabilitation Programmes – Extending to Remand Prisoners” initiative during 2026/27?

Answer

I am advised that remand prisoners accessing rehabilitation and reintegration programmes are assessed for eligibility and suitability to engage in programmes and undergo the same assessment process as sentenced prisoners. Each programme has its own eligibility or assessment criteria. While some non-offence focused programmes are available to the general remand population, rehabilitation programmes such as the Short Rehabilitation Programme have a specific eligibility criteria which considers factors including a person’s offending and their risk of reoffending. I am further advised that people who meet the eligibility criteria for a programme may not necessarily meet the suitability criteria. A person’s suitability to participate in a programme will depend on factors such as their motivation to participate in the programme, their conduct in custody and any health or security alerts they may have.