NCJ Number
131541
Date Published
1988
Length
204 pages
Annotation
A task force established by Canada's Commissioner on Corrections in 1988 examined ways to improve offender programs to reduce recidivism and help offenders become law-abiding citizens.
Abstract
The task force recommended that all programs be based on five principles, including offenders' accountability for their behavior, individualized handling of offenders, and community responsibility for assisting in the reintegration of offenders. It also recommended improved and more comprehensive initial assessments of all offenders, a major increase in psychological services, and initial placements of offenders at the lowest possible level of security. Other recommendations included establishing minimum-security institutions in urban communities, intensive case preparation, intensive parole supervision, and the placement of a community development specialist in each district office. Pilot programs are also recommended in the areas of living skills, drug treatment, community-based treatment of sex offenders, and specialized cognitive skills training for native offenders. An evaluation and research effort and improved human resource management are also recommended. Tables