A Case for Improving Social and Supportive Service Delivery for Ex-Offenders with Community Information Systems (CINS)

Research has shown that information technology, such as reentry mapping, community information systems (CINS) and other geographic information system (GIS)–related applications have improved criminal justice and social welfare outcomes. These Web-based applications are essential in that they serve as portals for extensive data allocation, collection, storage, and information sharing. One such Web-based application, reentryBase, is a planned CINS, designed to respond to the growing need for improved delivery of social and supportive services to those returning from prison and jail. Its specific aim is to build capacity for both outreach to ex-offenders and networking among and between reentry stakeholders.     

Assisting ex-offenders in employment: the experience of Hong Kong

Research indicates that employment is effective in reducing recidivism amongst ex-offenders. However, ex-offenders are also discouraged from obtaining employment as a result of their poor education level, deficits in vocational skills and employer bias and discrimination. In Hong Kong, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention offers a wide range of services to assist ex-offenders in employment. While a number of ex-offenders have benefited from these services, continuing difficulties are hard to overcome without government support. This paper recommends a multi-disciplinary approach to improve the employment situation of ex-offenders in Hong Kong and advocates for greater government involvement to help facilitate the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community in Hong Kong.