Policy Bulletin

Policy Bulletin 393

Why were the policies changed?

The above-noted Commissioner's Directives (CDs) have been modified as a result of the recent case management process streamlining exercise and to incorporate information from Case Management Bulletins. In addition, these directives are presented in the new format approved by the Executive Committee in April 2013 as part of the CSC Policy Standardization Project.

What has changed?

Several technical modifications have been made to the layout of the documents. Among other changes:

Policies are now better situated in CSC's operational context (e.g., relation to the Program Alignment Architecture, addition of a date for the next scheduled review of the policy).
The purpose (replacing the "policy objective") is more practical in nature.
A more concise language/style is used throughout the document.
Stand-alone English and French versions provide for complete consistency between intranet and Internet postings.

The content of the following Case Management Bulletins has been incorporated into relevant CDs:

March 13, 2013 – Notification to the Parole Board of Canada in instances of Direct Charges on offenders serving a Long-term Supervision Order
March 12, 2013 – Strengthening continuity in the decision making release framework
December 10, 2012 – Offender Travel Radius
October 12, 2012 – CD 710-3 Temporary Absences – Cancellation and Suspension of Unescorted Temporary Absences
August 28, 2012 – Recommendation of Special Conditions
August 1, 2012 – Commissioner's Directive 705-7 – Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement and Commissioner's Directive 710-3 – Temporary Absences

In addition, certain substantive changes, resulting from the recent case management process streamlining exercise, have been made. Among other changes:

CD 705-1 – Preliminary Assessments and Post-Sentence Community Assessments

There is no longer a need to complete a Post-Sentence Community Assessment where no contact is identified.

CD 710-1 – Progress Against the Correctional Plan

The 45-day case conference has been eliminated, thereby removing the redundancy of Casework Records.
The frequency of Correctional Plan Updates is now determined on an as needed basis (according to changes in key ratings), rather than at predetermined intervals.

CD 710-2 – Transfer of Inmates

The need for a Community Assessment for interregional transfers has been eliminated.

CD 710-3 – Temporary Absences

There is no longer a need to systematically consult the Security Intelligence Officer and the Community Corrections Liaison Officer as part of the decision making process.

CD 710-7 – Work Releases

There is no longer a need for the Parole Officer/ Correctional Officer II/Primary Worker to complete the Post Temporary Absence/Work Release Evaluation Report (CSC/SCC 1082).
There is no longer a need to systematically review work release applications following a negative decision.

CD 710-8 – Private Family Visits

Additional discretion is provided regarding the need to request/complete a Community Assessment.

CD 712-1 – Pre-Release Decision-Making

Postponements, withdrawals and waivers no longer need to be signed by the Institutional Head or Deputy Warden.
There is no longer a need to systematically consult the Security Intelligence Officer and the Community Corrections Liaison Officer as part of the decision making process.

CD 712-4 – Release Process

The pre-release consultation (i.e. case conference) will be required only if there has been significant change.

CD 712-5 – Pre-Release Case Preparation for Provincial/Territorial Offenders and Federal Offenders Incarcerated in Provincial/Territorial Facilities

There is no longer a need to systematically consult the Security Intelligence Officer and the Community Corrections Liaison Officer as part of the decision making process.

CD 715-1 – Community Supervision

There is no longer a need to complete a final Casework Record at Warrant Expiry Date.
There is no longer a need to document the case conference prior to a Correctional Plan Update or Assessment for Decision, given that the case conference will be contained in the report.
The frequency of Correctional Plan Updates is now determined on an as needed basis (based on changes in key ratings), rather than at predetermined intervals.
The requirement to hold an initial interview has been removed in the case of offenders on remand or held by Immigration, and the level of intervention for these offenders can be reduced to level C.

CD 715-2 – Post-Release Decision Process

There is no longer a need to systematically consult the Security Intelligence Officer and the Community Corrections Liaison Officer as part of the decision making process.

CD 715-3 – Community Assessments

Certain Community Assessments where there is no release to the community have been eliminated, and additional discretion is provided in the case of private family visits.

CD 719 – Long-Term Supervision Orders

There is no longer a need to systematically consult the Security Intelligence Officer and the Community Corrections Liaison Officer as part of the decision making process.

How were the policies developed?

These policies were updated by the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, in cooperation with the Strategic Policy Division, following consultations conducted jointly across the country by CSC's Transformation and Renewal Team and the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE).

Accountabilities?

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, is accountable for these CDs. Responsibilities for the various levels (i.e., National and Regional Headquarters, institutions and districts) are outlined in the individual policy documents.

Who will be affected by the policies?

All staff involved in case management activities in institutions and in the community.

Other impacts?

None.

Contacts:

Director
Institutional Reintegration Operations Division
Offender Programs and Reintegration Branch
613-995-7954

Director
Community Operations Division
Community Reintegration Branch
613-943-7485