Insights & Evidence

Relationships are the strongest protective factor

Research across desistance, psychology, and CoSA practice is unequivocal: stable, pro-social relationships reduce reoffending more effectively than surveillance alone.

People are more likely to sustain change when they experience:

• belonging
• accountability grounded in relationship
• encouragement and hope
• predictable, steady support
• opportunities to practise new identities

Trauma-informed, dignity-forward practice improves outcomes

Much of the reintegration journey is shaped by:

• trauma
• institutionalisation
• survival strategies
• shame
• disrupted identity
• disconnection from whānau and community

Evidence shows that trauma-informed, dignity-forward approaches:

• reduce shame
• increase engagement
• strengthen emotional regulation
• support safer decision-making
• build trust and relational safety

This is why Bond’s training emphasises curiosity over judgement, boundaries over rescuing, and mana motuhake over dependency.

Restorative practice strengthens accountability

Restorative principles, dignity, agency, relationship, and responsibility, are strongly supported in the literature as foundations for safe reintegration.

Research shows that restorative approaches:

• increase a person’s sense of responsibility
• reduce avoidance and minimisation
• support identity change
• improve compliance with parole conditions
• strengthen long-term desistance pathways

Protective factors matter more than risk factors

International evidence, including CoSA evaluations, desistance studies, and longitudinal reintegration research, shows that strengthening protective factors is more effective than focusing solely on risk.

Key protective factors include:

• routine
• stable housing
• pro-social identity
• emotional regulation
• meaningful relationships
• whānau connection
• purposeful activity
• hope and future orientation

Bond’s mahi, and FSN’s direct support, is designed to strengthen these protective factors in practical, relational ways.

Community involvement improves safety

Reintegration is most successful when communities are involved in safe, structured, well-supported ways.

Evidence shows that:

• community volunteers reduce isolation
• peer support increases engagement
• faith communities provide belonging and stability
• whānau-centred approaches strengthen identity and connection
• cross-sector collaboration reduces gaps and confusion

This is why Bond invests in partnerships, training, and public understanding, because safer communities are built collectively.

Clear, consistent systems reduce harm

Insights from Te Ara Oranga seminars and sector engagement highlight that:

• inconsistent use of special conditions
• unclear expectations
• fragmented communication
• variable practice across regions

All of these create unnecessary risk and stress for people on parole.

This is why Bond convened the National Advisory Group on Special Conditions (NAGSC), to support clearer, evidence-based, culturally grounded guidance.

Read about NAGSC