Adventure therapy to help youth reintegrate is value for money

A social return on investment analysis focused specifically on Waipuna’s youth reintegration programme delivery was published recently. Waipuna has worked in partnership with the Department of Corrections since 2013.

The analysis found that for every dollar invested in this service, $15.44 in measurable social value is generated as a result of factors including avoidable justice system and policing costs, as well as improvements in well-being, employment, physical activity and other indicators of development.

Evaluation of past participants indicates that more than three-quarters of participants did not reoffend over two years. For those who did, nearly a third reduced the severity of their offending.

Formal notice was received in March of the cessation of $639,432 in operational funding from Ara Poutama Department of Corrections from July 1 for youth specialised reintegration support delivered by Waipuna.

St John of God Waipuna’s Adventure Therapy Programmes combine outdoor challenges with therapeutic support, enabling young people to build resilience, self-belief and make positive change in their lives.

The programmes are holistic, relational and culturally grounded, supporting young people to manage risks and build confidence, trust, emotional regulation and relationship skills, while participating in activities such as canoeing, tramping, abseiling and mountain biking. Facilitators draw on challenges in the outdoors to enable participants to reflect on challenges in their lives.

Te Whare Hāpai Tangata youth reintegration programme has provided preventative support aimed at reducing reoffending and supporting young people to build positive futures.

And school-based adventure therapy enables secondary school-aged rangatahi (children) to participate in a 10-week programme. Most participants are in year 10, but other groups run according to the needs of a school. Students take part in the programme one full day a week for a school term.

Partnerships and donors are being sought so the youth reintegration programme can continue.

FULL STORY

Te Raranga Kaupapa Here – Whiringa a nuku (New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services)

The value of hope – new report estimates $15 return on youth development programme in Canterbury (St John of God Hauroa Trust)

Waipuna Youth Reintegration (St John of God Hauora Trust)

Adventure therapy (St John of God Hauora Trust)