Pretoria - The Department of Correctional Services says it needs more healthcare workers to help it break the cycle of crime among offenders.
Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services in Cape Town, the department said more psychologists, social workers, medical practitioners, pharmacists and nurses are needed, with the average vacancy rate standing at 16.3% as of 31 July 2014.
However, the leader of the departmental delegation during the briefing, Chief Deputy Commissioner James Smalberger, said their recruitment and retention strategy is beginning to make important gains.
The number of psychologists in the department’s employ has increased from about 40 to 68 2014.
The department reported that over the same period, the number of inmates has gone from 187 000 to 156 000.
Smalberger said currently, inmate access to psychological services is three times that of ordinary uninsured South Africans.
The 68 psychologists are employed on a fulltime basis to service about 155 000 inmates in 241 correctional centres nationally.
Of the 286 vacancies in the scarce skills categories, 78 have already been advertised.
The department’s recruitment and retention strategy includes granting of special higher salary notches, providing scarce skills and rural allowance, training and career growth opportunities, as well as recognising and awarding excellence among staff.
Smalberger said the department is also training correctional officials as rehabilitators. – SAnews.gov.za
