High commission's migration team works with Department of Corrections
The migration team is working with the Department of Corrections to improve its rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
Through the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Fund (RRF), we have invested in helping the Jamaican government improve conditions in prisons and improving rehabilitation programmes. We have also donated equipment and helped to set up training facilities in prisons.
Among the programmes we have supported is the Community Service Order Programme which seeks to provide a viable method of rehabilitation to non-violent offenders. The project utilizes tools such as weed whackers, lawn mowers and power saws in providing opportunities for employment. In October 2012, the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Fund (RRP) provided the Department of Corrections (DCS) with $1 million dollars to repair, service and maintain equipment used to carry out the programme. This was also used to fund eleven stakeholder workshops to sensitization and raise awareness about the Community Service Order Programme project.
Following the suicide of 2 inmates in November 2012, the (Rehabilitation and Reintegration Fund ) RRP funded a mission to assist the Department of Corrections in reviewing their suicide and self – harm policy. Twelve officers were also trained in suicide and self harm prevention and this training will be cascaded to 45 other Department of Corrections officers and superintendents.