Probation treatment centre to be set up

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33044, 11 October 1972, Page 1

Probation treatment centre to be set up

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, October 10.

A probation treatment centre will be established at Christchurch in October, the Minister of Justice (Sir Roy Jack) announced today. - ; •

“The centres established in Auckland and "Wellington have already proved their worth in providing specialist assistance to selected probationers,” said Sir Roy Jack.

“The extension' of these facilities , to Christchurch marks another step' forward in measures designed to strengthen , the work 'of the probation service,” he said. “We are . particularly fortunate in the team that will staff the centre —Mr L. A. prown, district probation officer, Department of'Justice; Dr J. Dobson, department of psychiatric medicine, Christchurch Hospital; Dr Jocelyn Hay, Student health service of the University of Canterbury; Mr H. E. Cohen, regional senior psychologist, Justice Department. “Each member is an expert in his own'field; and all have very wide experience in

dealing with complex social problems.” About 860 offenders are under the supervision of probation . officers in Christchurch and a recent survey indicated that between 60 and 100 of these cases could be in need of specialist treatment. " ,' At this stage, treatment at the centre will be confined to those offenders who are either on probation or parole, and • selected cases, will be referred by the district probation officer. ' This will require the cooperation of the probationer concerned, if a . favourable climate for treatment is to be established. This factor is important,

and this. means that the centre must be, fully accessible, and administratively flexible. “I have , emphasised the team aspect and this is deliberate,” the Minister said, “because it is by the pooling of knowledge and treatment skills of- several experts that best results can be achieved. I shall watch the progress of this, new centre with considerable interest.”