QUICK FACTS

CSC Mission and Priorities

CSC, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, and by exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.

CSC's key priorities are as follows:

• safe transition of eligible offenders into the community;
• safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions;
• enhanced capacity to provide effective interventions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders;
• improved capacity to address mental health needs of offenders; and
• strengthened management practices.

CSC Across Canada

CSC has a presence across the country – from large urban centres to remote communities across the North.

CSC manages:

• 57 institutions of various security levels,
• 16 community correctional centres,
• 84 parole offices, and
• four healing lodges.

In addition, CSC has partnerships with nongovernment organizations, such as the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society. These partner agencies operate approximately 200 community residential facilities across the country, providing accommodation, 24-hour supervision, counselling and programming to help offenders who have been released under supervision to successfully reintegrate into the community.

The Correctional Process

CSC's involvement in the criminal justice process begins once an offender has been sentenced to serve two years or more. CSC uses research-based approaches throughout an offender's sentence. The key elements of CSC's correctional strategy are as follows:

• When an offender is first sentenced and arrives at an institution, CSC does a comprehensive intake assessment to determine security risk and needs, and then decides on the placement of the individual, based on the appropriate security level. The assessment results in a multidisciplinary correctional plan for treatment and intervention.
• Based on the offender's correctional plan, CSC provides a broad range of programs to match an offender's needs and address the individual's risk of re-offending. These programs have proven to be effective in reducing re-offending rates.
• Risk assessments are completed throughout an offender's sentence to determine progress related to the correctional plan and to recommend any necessary changes. CSC obtains input from the community, including police and victims, where appropriate. These assessments help both CSC and the National Parole Board make decisions on such matters as transfers, temporary absences and conditional releases.
• Preparation for transition to the community includes notification to police of all releases from institutions. Upon request, victims can also receive notification about releases of individual offenders.
• When an offender is released into the community under supervision, CSC continues to monitor an offender's progress and provides programs and interventions to meet the individual's needs and to lessen the risk of re-offending.

CSC Partnerships

CSC works closely with its Public Safety portfolio partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the National Parole Board, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and three review bodies, including the Office of the Correctional Investigator.

Other key federal government partners include the Department of Justice, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

CSC has also established strong links with communities and works closely with various groups to help with its daily operations.

As well, approximately 9,000 volunteers contribute their time and provide essential support to CSC through such activities as tutoring, visits, sports, and social and spiritual events.