5.5.1 As is the case with the care and development programmes, the social reintegration programme is grossly under-funded. Many ex- offenders are rejected by their communities upon their release, and struggle to find employment. Corrections is a societal responsibility and all sectors must play their role in ensuring that ex-offenders are successfully reintegrated. Much has to be done to combat the stigma attached to having been incarcerated and to promote restorative justice, and allocations should be aligned to this core objective. The Committee will meet with the Department, parole board chairpersons as well as the National Council on Correctional Services (NCCS) to get an understanding of how the parole system works, what its weaknesses are and how best to improve it. The importance of DCS-driven community awareness campaigns that will combat stigmatisation and aid reintegration efforts must also be emphasised. 5.5.2 The Committee, recognising the role that the NGO-sector could play as far as reintegration programmes are concerned, would like to see more support given to the sector, so that their programmes can reach more inmates.