NCJ Number
116761
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 1-2,4
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Ontario Board of Parole's (OBP), Canada, mission statement is predicated in four equally weighted values and supporting principles.
Abstract
Because the OBP believes in the dignity and worth of the individual, it provides for the offender to participate in the parole decisionmaking process through a personal hearing, operates with fairness and objectivity on the merits of each case, and provides for a separate and independent review of the decision if it is disputed or circumstances change. The OBP believes in the individual's capacity for positive change. It offers the possibility of conditional release, encourages program participation during incarceration and the development of release plans, and makes efforts to ensure that conditions of release facilitate positive change. The OBP also believes in the responsibility of the community to its members, including offenders. This responsibility requires the provision of community supports that will assist in reintegration of the offender, as well as positive offender-community relationships. The OBP attempts to make decisions that maximize benefits to the offender and minimize risks to the community. The OBP also involves the community in release decisions and promotes community education. Finally, the OBP believes in the offender's responsibility to the community and the victim. It assesses risks of release and the impact of the offense on the victim and ensures an immediate return to custody for infractions of release conditions.