The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is encouraging the communities to accept ex-offenders and give them another chance to start a sustainable life.
FCS Commissioner Commander Francis Kean said they created a care network to assist ex-offenders start up a sustainable life.
“Because stigma is the real thing; it sticks with you,” he said.
“That’s why we have the Yellow Ribbon Program.
“We are going about encouraging the communities in offering the second opportunity and another shot at life to those that had been incarcerated.”
Commissioner Kean said their rehabilitation unit monitors the rehabilitation process with the help of all the stakeholders.
“As you know, we have four divisions in the Fiji Corrections Service.
“Not only do we do this work alone; that’s part of the care network, the community action for rehabilitation of ex-offenders.
“We engage with the provinces; we engage with religious organisations because we really do not have the manpower to go to every door.
“So by engaging the community, it becomes a whole of nation effort, where everybody contributes to the rehabilitation efforts of those that have been incarcerated.”
FCS and the Nadroga Provincial Council signed a partnership agreement on Tuesday in an attempt to reduce the recidivism rate in the province.
