A new home in Hamilton for prisoners on parole offers “not just accommodation, but structured support services and defined supervision”, with its success measurements to provide the basis for further services.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General, told the Senate that Astor House, formally opened last month and capable of taking eight residents, would come with “very specific vetting”.

Ms Wilkerson acknowledged that the island at present lacks any halfway house for prisoners released from jail, in response to questions from Tawana Tannock, an independent senator, who asked if the Transitional Living Centre was still operational.

The Upper House heard that it was not.

The Attorney-General also responded to Ms Tannock’s questions that prisoners released after serving their full term would not be eligible — and those coming into the community without a place to stay and without support.

Ms Wilkerson added: “There is a broader need to be met with these models, absolutely — we acknowledge that.”

In her address to the Senate, Ms Wilkerson said: “Residents of Astor House will be on licence and supervised by a dedicated court services parole officer, while also receiving co-ordinated support from a Home case manager and the house parent.

“That combination of housing, supervision, case management and daily support is what makes this programme distinct.”

She said the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors initially provided $317,275 to support the renovation of the site.

The ministry gave $150,000 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with the Ministry of Justice committing $100,000 and the Ministry of National Security $150,000 for a total of $400,000.

Responding to queries from Victoria Cunningham, the Opposition leader in the Senate, she said it would be paid annually, “subject to the performance outcomes”.

Ms Wilkerson conceded there was no timeline at present for additional such facilities, but that its measurable outcomes would inform next steps. She added that a need had been identified for women leaving incarceration and inmates coming into the community who were unable to work.

Astor House was described as a working facility where residents would be employed and paying a daily rent of $18.

Case managers will evaluate residents and input the data into a system known as Inform.

Ms Wilkerson added: “It’s meant to be a collaborative environment where good behaviour encourages other good behaviour.”

She told Ms Cunningham there was no set time for residents to remain at Astor House.

While the sober-living facility would come with a curfew and an on-site house manager, Ms Wilkerson acknowledged that the area was an increased penalty zone, and that its governance board would include a forensic psychologist from the Department of Corrections, but said the house would not have a security guard.

She told the Senate: “The idea is that the candidates should be capable of responsible living and being reintegrated. They are not moving from a prison to another prison.”

The Senate also heard that while the facility was recognised as too important to rely on the community’s support, its evidence-based programmes and measurable outcomes stood to make it attractive to donors — corporate donors in particular.

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