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Aug 20, 2009
Drive to hire ex-inmates
By Teh Joo Lin
I bluff bluff only.<br>Donch take it seriously!
AN INITIATIVE was launched on Thursday night to get firms here to hire at least one ex-convict to help re-integrate former offenders into society.
The drive, called Corporate Doors, was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng at the 20th anniversary of the Industrial and Services Cooperative Society (ISCOS).
Under this scheme, ISCOS has teamed up with the Singapore Business Federation, which represents more than 15,000 companies here.
So far, more than 50 companies have signed up.
Said Mr Wong: 'I urge more corporate organisations to support this initiative as providing stable employment will help ex-offenders re-integrate into the community and be self-sufficient.'
He added that hiring former inmates within a supportive community has helped cut the recidivism rate of prisoners over the years.
About 44 per cent of the prisoners released in 1998 went back to jail within two years of their release. For those released in 2006, the relapse rate was about 25 per cent.
Mr Wong attributed this 'positive outcome' to a focus on rehabilitation behind prison walls, the help of volunteers and a strong aftercare network that provides job referrals, among others.
Aftercare organisations such as ISCOS, which was set up in 1989 to help re-integrate former inmates into society, It has helped more than 9,000 former inmates so far.
At Thursday's dinner event, companies that have been providing job opportunities to former inmates were honoured. They include The Underwater World, TCC Hospitality Group and SBS Transit.
Aug 20, 2009
Drive to hire ex-inmates
By Teh Joo Lin
I bluff bluff only.<br>Donch take it seriously!
AN INITIATIVE was launched on Thursday night to get firms here to hire at least one ex-convict to help re-integrate former offenders into society.
The drive, called Corporate Doors, was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng at the 20th anniversary of the Industrial and Services Cooperative Society (ISCOS).
Under this scheme, ISCOS has teamed up with the Singapore Business Federation, which represents more than 15,000 companies here.
So far, more than 50 companies have signed up.
Said Mr Wong: 'I urge more corporate organisations to support this initiative as providing stable employment will help ex-offenders re-integrate into the community and be self-sufficient.'
He added that hiring former inmates within a supportive community has helped cut the recidivism rate of prisoners over the years.
About 44 per cent of the prisoners released in 1998 went back to jail within two years of their release. For those released in 2006, the relapse rate was about 25 per cent.
Mr Wong attributed this 'positive outcome' to a focus on rehabilitation behind prison walls, the help of volunteers and a strong aftercare network that provides job referrals, among others.
Aftercare organisations such as ISCOS, which was set up in 1989 to help re-integrate former inmates into society, It has helped more than 9,000 former inmates so far.
At Thursday's dinner event, companies that have been providing job opportunities to former inmates were honoured. They include The Underwater World, TCC Hospitality Group and SBS Transit.
