by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Providing counseling services to clients is an ongoing challenge for Community Based Correction (CBCs) officers across the country.
Elizabeth Passingan, a senior Provincial Probation Officer in West New Britain Province, raised this concern today in the CBCs annual combined planning workshop in Port Moresby.
Community Based Correction offices comprise of probation, parole, and juvenile justice services.
The office provides correctional services to people who are out of prison on parole or probation.
Passingan, a probation officer with 30 years experience said prisoners who are on probation or parole do not accept counselling and advice.
On the other hand, officers also need more specific training on how to conduct counseling to prisoners.
Another difficulty they face is tracking down parolees and probationers who do not comply with their court orders.
The CBC office began their annual workshop today to plan their activities for next year.
This year’s theme is Change, Challenge and Opportunity.
They will highlight their achievements and challenges, and develop effective resolutions to address them.
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