China is planning to draw up its first law on community correction programs, which oversee offenders outside of prison. Trials have been going on since 2003 across the country. Zhang Ningben tells us what Shanghai is doing.  

At first glance, this community workshop looks no different than others, but it's a correctional session for non-local prisoners in Jiading District. Yao, who declined to give her full name, comes from Sichuan Province and was sentenced to one year with one year probation for a financial crime. Officers and social workers have provided counseling and skills training to help rehabilitate her.

YAO FROM SICHUAN PROVINCE "At first I thought I was finished. I had a good cosmetics business and then everything was gone overnight. I wanted to end my life several times. But then I started getting counseling here. It's like a home. The counselor told me it's only you who would look down upon yourself."

In 2003, community correction programs were started on a trial basis in six cities and provinces across China including Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang. Those who are on conditional release, probation or serving sentences under three-years for less severe crimes are eligible for these programs. Community correction programs in Jiading District have helped more than 4,100 people since 2003 with 30 percent of them being from outside Shanghai. Those who are participating in these rehabilitation programs wear a GPS ankle bracelet around the clock so that authorities can track their whereabouts.

GU DAJIANG, DIRECTOR JIADING COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER "In the past, non-locals had a difficult time in Shanghai as they were not eligible for the same social welfare benefits. It's also hard for former criminals to find a job after serving their sentences. Our job is to help make things easier once they return to society, this even includes helping with marriage and residence procedures."

ZHOU SHAOYUN JIADING COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER "In the past, we only gave them lectures. Now we have opened workshops and salons through charities. We solve their family and employment issues."

The program has been effective. Over the past 15 years, the rate of second offenses among those in the Jiading community rehab program is less than 0.2%.

GU DAJIANG, DIRECTOR JIADING COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER "Since 2016, nobody has committed a second crime here. We will continue to take care of those who are released from prison and help them establish a stable life in Shanghai for another three to five years."

YAO FROM SICHUAN PROVINCE "I have become interested in traditional Chinese culture since being put in this program. I want to resume my cosmetics business after I get out of prison, but this time I will add Chinese herbs into my products."

Yao still has 6 months to go in her rehabilitation program. If all goes well and she receives a good evaluation, her jail term could be shortened. Zhang Ningben, CGTN,SHANGHAI.