Detention potential

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 99, 23 December 1970, Page 3

Detention potential

The recently established detention centre near Turangi is described by the superintendent of the Tongariro Prison Farms, Mr J. Rogers, as having "terrific potential." Offenders between the ages of 16 and 21 can besentenced to a detention centre. Sentences range from two to three months, and at this centre the average term is nine weeks. Detained youths will clear an estimated 1000 acres of scrub annually, land that will later be brought into forestry. Working manually the inmates will work a six day week, as well as attending a full course of ledthres and talks. Regular visits will be made by vocational guidance counsellors, probation officers specialist staff from the Justice Department and marriage guidance counsellors. A noted feature of a confidence course, similar to that of Outward Bound, is that the officers in charge must take the course with the youths. Aims of keeping the youths fully occupied with a full working day, education at night, lectures and work six days a week is part of the programme. Mr Rogers said the reaction so far had been good, and he felt that a majority of the detainees would evolve as well-rounded citizens.