Commissioner's Directive

Date:
2011-06-03

Number - Numéro:
726-1

NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS

Issued under the authority of the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs of the Correctional Service of Canada

PDF

Policy Bulletin 331

Policy Objectives
Application
What is a Correctional Program?
- Legislative Authority
- Cross-References
Standards for Correctional Program Development
Standards for Correctional Program Accreditation and Site Accreditation
Standards for the Training and Certification Process for Program Staff
- Regional Program Managers
- Correctional Program Facilitators
Standards for Correctional Program Delivery
Correctional Program Management and Planning
Annex A: Regional Program Manager (RPM) Training Guidelines
Annex B: Correctional Program Facilitators Training Guidelines
Annex C: Human Resources Process
Annex D: Guide to Determine the Intensity, Duration and Setting of Correctional Programs
Annex E: Definitions

POLICY OBJECTIVES

Nationally recognized Correctional Programs play a key role in the safe and successful reintegration of offenders into the community. The National Standards for Correctional Programs provide the framework to maximize the effectiveness of Correctional Programs and ensure integrity in program management and delivery.

APPLICATION

The National Standards for Correctional Programs apply to all staff involved in Correctional Program management, planning, and delivery.

Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs
Director, Reintegration Programs
Regional Deputy Commissioner
Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Institutional Operations
Director, Interventions
Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions
Regional Program Manager
Institutional Head/District Director
Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director
Manager Programs
Parole Officer
Correctional Program Facilitator

WHAT IS A CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM?

A Correctional Program is a structured intervention that addresses empirically-validated factors directly linked to offenders' criminal behaviour, in order to reduce re-offending (CD 726 - Correctional Programs).

The purpose of the federal correctional system is to contribute to the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by assisting the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into the community as law-abiding citizens through the provision of programs in penitentiaries and in the community (CCRA, s. 3(b)). Therefore, Correctional Service Canada is responsible for the provision of programs (CCRA, s. 5(b)).

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) Sections

Purpose of the Correctional System - CCRA, s. 3
Correctional Service of Canada Responsibilities - CCRA, s. 5(b)
Programs for Offenders Generally - CCRA, s. 76
Programs for Female Offenders - CCRA, s. 77
Aboriginal Offenders; Definitions - CCRA, s. 79
Aboriginal Offenders; Programs - CCRA, s. 80
Meaning of Informed Consent - CCRA, s. 88(2)

Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR) Sections

Correctional Plans - CCRR, s. 102

CROSS-REFERENCES

Commissioner's Directives

CD 700 - Correctional Interventions

CD 702 - Aboriginal Offenders

CD 705 - Intake Assessment Process

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

CD 705-2 - Information Collection

CD 705-3 - Immediate Needs Identification and Admission Interviews

CD 705-4 - Orientation

CD 705-5 - Supplementary Intake Assessments

CD 705-6 - Correctional Planning and Criminal Profile

CD 710 - Institutional Supervision Framework

CD 710-1 - Progress Against the Correctional Plan

CD 712 - Case Preparation and Pre-Release Framework

CD 720 - Education Programs and Services for Offenders

CD 726 - Correctional Programs

CD 730 - Offender Program Assignment and Payments

CD 767 - Ethnocultural Offender Programs

The Program Strategy for Federally Sentenced Women

STANDARDS FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, will authorize the development and delivery of Correctional Programs based on:

needs identification and analysis; and
literature review and analysis of current practices.

The analysis will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, to determine:

the program design (the overall program model, structure and content); and
the process for program validation.

It is essential that the development of Correctional Programs meet the identified needs of offenders and promote their successful reintegration into the community.

AUTHORIZATION FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, is responsible for presenting a plan to the Executive Committee for the development of a Correctional Program.

The Executive Committee authorizes the development of Correctional Programs.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

In the development of every Correctional Program, certain supporting documents must be produced. The Director, Reintegration Programs, will manage, coordinate and monitor national Correctional Program development and be responsible for producing the following support documents:

a program manual, including the program description;
an assessment manual;
a training manual; and
as required, supplementary materials.

INTENSITY, DURATION AND SETTING OF THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM - MEETING THE RISK AND NEEDS OF OFFENDERS

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, is responsible for authorizing the development and delivery of Correctional Programs. In the development of Correctional Programs, there must be consideration of the offender's level of risk and need to determine the intensity, duration and type of group setting.

View the Guide to Determine the Intensity, Duration and Setting of Correctional Programs for more detailed information.

Note: The Service shall provide a range of programs designed to address the needs of offenders and contribute to their successful reintegration into the community (CCRA, s. 76).

According to CCRA, s. 77, Correctional Service Canada is responsible to provide a range of programs designed to address the needs of female offenders. For further information on programs for female offenders, refer to The Program Strategy for Federally Sentenced Women.
According to CCRA, s. 80, Correctional Service Canda is responsible to provide a range of programs designed to address the needs of Aboriginal offenders. For further information on Aboriginal programs, refer to CD 702 - Aboriginal Offenders.
In line with responsivity, CD 767 - Ethnocultural Offender Programs stipulates that needs and cultural interests of offenders belonging to ethnocultural minority groups should be identified in Correctional Program development.

ONGOING MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, will authorize the development of National Standards for Correctional Programs to ensure effective program delivery.

The Director, Reintegration Programs, will oversee coordination, with the Directors, Interventions, to ensure efficient Correctional Program management and delivery and maximum program capacity, as well as report results quarterly.

The Director, Reintegration Programs, is responsible for:

developing and monitoring the standards for program development and delivery; and
managing and coordinating the gathering and presentation of evidence of program effectiveness.

Once a program has been developed, the National Program Manager will provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Correctional Program. This consists of:

rates of participation and outcome;
assessment of progress against program targets;
influence of responsivity factors;
participants' satisfaction;
impact on institutional conduct and adjustment;
rates of readmission following release;
rates of re-offending following release; and
cost-effectiveness of the program.

Institutional Heads, District Directors and Directors, Interventions, are responsible for ensuring that data related to program evaluation are collected and available for research purposes.

The Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, provides assistance to consolidate the data related to program evaluation and provides additional analysis as required.

STANDARDS FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM ACCREDITATION AND SITE ACCREDITATION

The Accreditation process is included in the National Standards for Correctional Programs which are authorized under CD 726 - Correctional Programs. The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, through the Director, Reintegration Programs, oversees the program accreditation process, the site accreditation process and ensures that Correctional Programs are submitted for evaluation every five years to verify that they meet recognized standards for effectiveness.

The Deputy Commissioner for Women is consulted on Correctional Programs Accreditation Panels that review Correctional Programs for women offenders.

The Director General, Aboriginal Initiatives, is consulted on Correctional Programs Accreditation Panels that review Aboriginal Correctional Programs.

All nationally recognized Correctional Programs will undergo an internal accreditation review to ensure that Correctional Programs are delivered in compliance with Correctional Program policy. Correctional Program sponsors and/or developers are responsible for ensuring that all materials required for review by the Correctional Programs Accreditation Panel are available.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Correctional Program accreditation is a structured evaluation of a Correctional Program against evidence-based criteria. Correctional Program accreditation ensures that Correctional Programs are appropriate and effective in contributing to the safe reintegration of offenders.

The "Correctional Programs Accreditation Panel" is the mechanism through which accreditation reviews occur.

The "Correctional Programs Accreditation Panel" accredits Correctional Programs that meet the following criteria:

based on empirically validated models of behavioral change;
address factors that have been empirically demonstrated to be linked to criminal behavior;
employ methods that have been consistently effective with offenders in reducing reoffending;
provide offenders with skills to reduce reoffending and to encourage successful reintegration;
include methods that are responsive to the particular learning styles of each participant (responsivity);
intensity and continuum of care are related to the level of risk;
employ methods to maintain participant performance; and
have explicit methods for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

SITE ACCREDITATION

Site accreditation is a structured evaluation of the delivery and management of Correctional Programs at specific operational sites. Correctional Program site accreditation ensures integrity of Correctional Program delivery and compliance with policy.

Each operational unit undergoes the established Correctional Service Canada process of site accreditation. Site accreditation shall be granted by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the "Correctional Programs Accreditation Panel" in conjunction with the Director, Reintegration Programs.

The "Correctional Programs Accreditation Panel" recommends accreditation for sites that meet the following criteria:

Correctional Programs are delivered by staff trained in the Correctional Program;
Correctional Program Facilitators are in the process of certification or are certified in the Correctional Program; and
offenders assigned to Correctional Programs meet the selection criteria for the Correctional Programs.

Site accreditation reviews the following criteria for Correctional Program management:

offender performance in the Correctional Program is documented within specified timeframes;
all nationally recognized Correctional Programs delivered at the site are recorded in the Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Integrated Financial Material Management System (IFMMS) and Offender Management System (OMS);
the offender Correctional Program assignment status is accurately maintained in OMS;
an accurate 18-month Correctional Program schedule is available; and
delivery of Correctional Programs is maximized to ensure effective use of existing resources.

Site reviews are conducted at each operational site every five years using the data recorded in OMS and the HRMS.

Corrective action plans will be developed by Institutional Heads/District Directors for operational units identified as non-compliant. Implementation of corrective action plans will be monitored by the site Manager Programs, Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, and the Director, Interventions, and/or designate.

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING

The Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, will review, analyze and report to the Director, Interventions, all Correctional Program demand, availability and results as required. These results will be available for national program performance evaluations.

The Director, Reintegration Programs, will work with the Directors, Interventions, to ensure that maximum program capacity is achieved by recommending corrective measures or taking action to improve results when required.

Operational units will follow the National Correctional Program Management Guidelines to ensure that:

accurate and meaningful programming information is available;
the information in OMS contributes to effective program planning;
there are accurate linkages between IFMMS and OMS program data that will improve budget reporting;
there is better communication between institutions and community sites;
there is a reduction of data quality issues which will improve the accuracy of program related performance reporting; and
there is a consistent national approach to the management of Correctional Programs.

Correctional Program Facilitators will:

administer Correctional Program performance measures, as directed in the Correctional Program training and manuals;
if applicable, review the pre-/interim/post-performance measures immediately after the offender has completed them to ensure completeness. In cases where questions were not answered, the Correctional Program Facilitator will review the performance measure(s) with the offender to facilitate completion;
ensure pre- and interim Correctional Program performance measures are entered into the automated system within five days of their completion; and
enter post-performance measure data within the same timeframes as Correctional Program Final Reports (10 working days).

Offenders may be allowed to review their responses on a performance measure upon request. In such cases, the Correctional Program Facilitator must be present at all times, and the offender must not be permitted to leave the room or make copies of the performance measure.

STANDARDS FOR THE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR PROGRAM STAFF

In line with CD 726 - Correctional Programs, the Director, Reintegration Programs, is responsible for establishing the overall training and certification of Regional Program Managers and Correctional Program Facilitators.

To ensure that Regional Program Managers and Correctional Program Facilitators are provided the support, structure, knowledge and skills to carry out their duties in the interest of public safety and safe offender reintegration, both Regional Program Managers and Correctional Program Facilitators will be required to proceed through a training and certification process.

REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

A Regional Program Manager is an individual responsible for the training of Correctional Program Facilitators and the monitoring of the Quality Review processes for Correctional Program Facilitators in a specific Correctional Program area.

TRAINING OF REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

The National Program Manager responsible for the program area coordinates the training of the Regional Program Managers. Regional Program Managers will be trained in the program area in which they deliver training.

Regional Program Managers are trained according to the guidelines detailed in Annex A, "Regional Program Manager (RPM) Training Guidelines".

The National Program Trainer or his/her designate will:

complete post-training assessment reports for each training participant within 20 working days of training completion;
ensure that information on post-training assessment reports for Regional Program Managers is entered into the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) within 20 working days of training completion;
ensure that post-training evaluations of Regional Program Managers are shared with National Program Managers of the identified program area, the immediate Supervisor, Regional Program Managers and the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions; and
ensure Regional Program Managers deliver training in accordance with the program area training materials.

CERTIFICATION OF REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

The Director, Reintegration Programs, is responsible for the certification of Regional Program Managers, based on the recommendation of the National Program Manager.

The certification process for Regional Program Managers is outlined in Annex A, "Regional Program Manager (RPM) Training Guidelines".

National Correctional Program Trainers can recommend certification for Regional Program Managers and submit recommendations for certification to the National Program Manager and Director, Reintegration Programs.

QUALITY REVIEW OF REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

The National Program Manager responsible for the program area co-ordinates the Quality Review of Regional Program Managers in that area.

The National Program Manager or his/her designate conducts a Quality Review within 60 days after all required elements for review are completed.

Post-training evaluations of Regional Program Managers are shared with the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions/ Supervisor / National and Regional Program Managers of the identified program area.

The Quality Review process assesses Regional Program Managers in the following areas:

administration of the overall training;
delivery of training;
assessment of Correctional Program Facilitators; and
report writing.

The Quality Review of Regional Program Managers results in a written report that addresses:

strengths and areas for improvement;
certification (if applicable); and
the need for additional training or professional development.

To ensure that the Regional Program Manager undergoes a fair evaluation, the Quality Review will examine the equivalent of at least two training days.

For certified Regional Program Managers, Quality Reviews will be conducted at three and six years following certification. Additional Quality Reviews may be conducted during this period if required. This can be based on a previous Quality Review or on the request of the immediate supervisor. The Quality Reviews will end after the sixth year following certification, unless the need for improvement is identified.

If it is determined that a Regional Program Manager has not met the competency standards necessary to continue in the position, the Human Resources process outlined in Annex C will be followed.

REFRESHER TRAINING FOR REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

The Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, will identify the need for refresher training for a Regional Program Manager and notify the National Program Manager responsible for the Correctional Program area.

The need for refresher training for Regional Program Managers will be based on the criteria outlined in Annex A, "Regional Program Manager (RPM) Training Guidelines".

Refresher training for Regional Program Managers shall not normally exceed three working days and the objectives are mutually agreed upon by the Regional Program Manager and the National Correctional Program Trainer.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Regional Deputy Commissioner will ensure the competencies of Correctional Program Facilitators are evaluated through the quality review and certification process.

A Correctional Program Facilitator is an individual trained to deliver Correctional Programs to offenders.

INITIAL TRAINING OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

Correctional Program Facilitators are trained by Regional Program Managers to deliver programming to offenders in a specific Correctional Program area.

Regional Program Managers will ensure:

initial training is a maximum of 10 working days and prepares the Correctional Program Facilitators to deliver all intensity levels within that Correctional Program area, excluding specific Aboriginal, Sex Offender and/or Women Offender Correctional Program training;
Post-Training Assessment Reports are completed for each Correctional Program Facilitator within 20 working days of the completion of the training;
post-training evaluations of the Correctional Program Facilitators are shared with the site Manager Programs / Immediate Supervisor / Correctional Program Facilitators; and
information on Post-Training Assessment Reports for Correctional Program Facilitators is entered into the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) within 20 working days of training completion.

The Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, is responsible for ensuring that Correctional Program Facilitators participate in a total of three days of program-related professional development annually.

CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Director, Reintegration Programs, is responsible for certifying a Correctional Program Facilitator, based on the recommendation of the National Program Manager and the Regional Program Manager.

The certification process for Correctional Program Facilitators is outlined in Annex B, "Correctional Program Facilitators Training Guidelines".

The certification process for Correctional Program Facilitators includes:

successfully completing the initial Correctional Program training;
successfully delivering a minimum of one Correctional Program to offenders (any intensity level, including Maintenance Programs); and
successfully meeting all the requirements of the Quality Review process.

QUALITY REVIEW OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Quality Review process assesses Correctional Program Facilitators in the areas identified in the Quality Review of Facilitators (CSC/SCC 1313) and are conducted by the Regional Program Managers.

A Quality Review is completed for the first program delivery of each Correctional Program Facilitator through direct observation and/or video recording.

Regional Program Managers will complete the Quality Review of Correctional Program Facilitators:

who have been identified as "conditional" following the initial training within 25 working days of the end of the first program if sessions were directly observed or within 25 working days of receipt of the videotaped recordings;
when the site Manager Programs or a Regional Program Manager has identified concerns and requests a Quality Review. The Quality Review will occur on the first program delivered following the request and must be completed within 25 working days of the end of the first program if sessions were directly observed or within 25 working days of receipt of the videotaped recordings;
within 60 working days of the completion of the first program delivered for all other Correctional Program Facilitators; and
by entering the Quality Review data in HRMS within the same time frames identified in (a), (b) or (c).

Regional Program Managers will evaluate a Correctional Program Facilitator in the following areas as identified in the Quality Review of Facilitators (CSC/SCC 1313) form:

administration of the overall program;
program delivery;
assessment of offenders; and
report writing.

The Quality Review of Correctional Program Facilitators results in a written report that addresses:

strengths and areas for improvement;
certification (if applicable); and
need for additional training or professional development.

The Quality Review written report is shared with the Manager Programs / Supervisor / Correctional Program Facilitator.

To ensure the fair evaluation of the Correctional Program Facilitator, the Quality Review will examine the equivalent of at least four program sessions in the Correctional Program area.

Additional sessions may be required in some cases when the Regional Program Manager identifies other areas requiring improvement during the initial Correctional Program training or during any additional Quality Reviews conducted for certification.
When recordings are used for the Quality Review, they are to be erased within one year or upon successful certification of the Correctional Program Facilitator, whichever comes first. The Correctional Program Facilitator is responsible for erasing the recordings, and the operational unit is responsible for ensuring that the recordings are erased.

For certified Correctional Program Facilitators, Quality Reviews will be conducted at three and six years following certification in any one Correctional Program area. Additional Quality Reviews may be conducted during the period if required. The Quality Reviews will end after the sixth year following certification unless a demonstrated need arises.

If it is determined that a Correctional Program Facilitator has not met the competency standards necessary to continue in the position, the Human Resources Process as outlined in Annex C will be followed.

REFRESHER TRAINING FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Regional Program Manager responsible for the Correctional Program area provides refresher training to Correctional Program Facilitators in that area as outlined in Annex B, "Correctional Program Facilitators Training Guidelines".

The Manager Programs informs the Regional Program Manager when a Correctional Program Facilitator requires refresher training.

Refresher training for Correctional Program Facilitators shall not normally exceed three working days, and the objectives will be mutually agreed upon by the Regional Program Manager and the Correctional Program Facilitator. Participation in refresher training will be recorded in HRMS after completion by the Regional Program Manager.

STANDARDS FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM DELIVERY

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, will authorize the development of standards for Correctional Program delivery.

The Regional Deputy Commissioner will ensure:

procedures are in place that support Correctional Program delivery;
the Correctional Program inventory is maintained; and
Correctional Programs are available to offenders.

Institutional Heads/District Directors will provide a secure and appropriate environment for the delivery of Correctional Programs.

As per CD 726 - Correctional Programs, Manager Programs will:

supervise staff involved in the delivery of Correctional Programs;
approve program referrals, update Correctional Program assignments, and record decisions within 10 working days;
ensure that Correctional Program schedules include offender participation information and Correctional Program Facilitator identification;
ensure that the required Correctional Program performance measurement data, including any automated data collection, is collected and distributed;
ensure that all post-program case conferences and corresponding documentation are completed;
ensure that the Final Correctional Program Report is quality controlled and finalized within 10 working days of Correctional Program completion;
ensure that the psychometric measures from the Correctional Program are submitted for placement in the Psychology file within 10 working days of Correctional Program completion; and
ensure that contracted Correctional Program delivery is in compliance with contractual obligations that respect Correctional Program policy.

Correctional Program Facilitators must deliver Correctional Programs according to the program delivery manual that is developed for each Correctional Program.

Correctional Program Facilitators will ensure the program area implementation checklist is completed prior, during and after the delivery of the Correctional Program.

PARTICIPATION IN CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS

Institutional Heads and District Directors must ensure that offenders are referred to the Correctional Programs which were recommended in their Correctional Plans (CCRR, s. 102). Offenders should be encouraged to participate in programs identified in their Correctional Plans.
All Correctional Program participation must be voluntary and based on informed consent. Correctional Program Facilitators will ensure that the offender understands and signs the Consent to Participate in Correctional Programs (CSC/SCC 1288) Form or in the case where an offender understands and accepts the intent of the consent form but refuses to sign the consent form, the Correctional Program Facilitator indicates this on the form and signs it in the presence of a witness and documents this in a Casework Record.
Offender refusal to complete the Correctional Program performance measures will not lead to an exclusion from the Correctional Program.
Offenders denying or appealing their conviction will not lead to an exclusion from the Correctional Program.
Offenders are assigned to a Correctional Program based on their Correctional Plan and on established Correctional Program selection criteria. Pre-program interviews and Correctional Program performance measures are completed no earlier than 30 workings days before the Correctional Program commencement.
All pre and interim Correctional Program performance measures must be entered into the automated system within five working days of their completion.
Case conferences and Casework Records will be conducted and/or completed as outlined in CD 726 - Correctional Programs.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM GROUP SIZE

The ratio for the number of participants in a Correctional Program is:

one Correctional Program Facilitator to a maximum of 10 participants;
two Correctional Program Facilitators to a maximum of 12 participants;
Correctional Programs that normally require two Correctional Program Facilitators may be delivered by one Correctional Program Facilitator provided that there are six or fewer participants commencing the Correctional Program and no more than six on an ongoing basis.

MAKE-UP SESSIONS

Make-up sessions are to assist the offender in learning missed key points and skills necessary to further progress in the Correctional Program. As make-up sessions cannot provide the same degree of progress as a regular group session, based on professional discretion, the Correctional Program Facilitator can determine, in conjunction with the Manager Programs, when an offender's progress in the Correctional Program can no longer be sufficiently achieved.

Correctional Program Faciltators will provide Correctional Program participants with make-up sessions, or the equivalent, whenever possible in the case of absences. Operational units should ensure maximum group participation of the offenders assigned to a Correctional Program, thus limiting the use of make-up sessions. Make-up sessions must be entered in a Casework Record in the Offender Management System (OMS).

POST-PROGRAM WORK

Correctional Program Facilitators will complete a Final Correctional Program Report for all program intensities, including maintenance, within 10 working days from the assignment end date for all participants. This 10 working day timeframe includes the quality control and locking of the report by the Manager Programs in the Offender Management System. The report is limited to the following components:

attendance and participation;
analysis of progress against program targets, and
recommendations for future programming.

The rationale for the program assignment status is included in the Final Correctional Program Report.

Consistent with the Generic Program Performance Measure (GPPM), 'Successful Completion' confirms that offenders have made progress in the following three areas:

have set pro-social goals to address criminogenic needs and have made some progress towards achieving those goals;
know some self-management skills to manage criminogenic needs;
have completed a basic self-management / relapse prevention / healing plan.

The signed original Final Correctional Program Report, the completed initial interview form and a copy of the Offender's Relapse / Self-management / Healing Plan will be placed on the offender's Case Management file.

Copies of all Psychometric Measures will be placed in the Psychology file.

After the Final Program Performance report is produced, the Correctional Program Facilitator will coordinate a post-program case conference with the offender and the Case Management Team to share information and document the case conference by entering a Casework Record in the Offender Management System.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM AWARENESS

Institutional Heads/District Directors are responsible for providing a secure and appropriate environment for the delivery of Correctional Programs. The success of the program depends in part on the support it receives from senior management and other correctional staff. The physical environment shall be appropriate to the needs of the programs. As well, the skills learned through the program shall be integrated and reinforced in the day-to-day activities of the operational unit.

In line with creating a supportive environment, the Institutional Heads/District Directors are responsible for providing program awareness annually and prior to the introduction of a new Correctional Program to the operational staff members who interact with offenders and record the training in HRMS accordingly.

POPULATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Institutional Heads/District Directors, or their delegate, will determine the feasibility of using population management strategies based on operational requirements.

In cases of offender transfer, offenders are to be integrated into the same Correctional Program at the receiving operational unit as soon as possible, space permitting. It is a best practice for the Parole Officer at the sending institution to make the required Correctional Program referral to the receiving institution in accordance with CD 710-1 - Progress Against the Correctional Plan. Once the offender has arrived at the receiving institution, the Parole Officer should review the case and complete any outstanding referrals.

Prior to integrating the transferred offender into an existing Correctional Program, the Correctional Program Facilitator will conduct at least one individual meeting.

Make-up sessions are required to cover all the sessions that the incoming offender missed before the transition into the existing Correctional Program.

When a Correctional Program is not currently delivered at the receiving site, or when circumstances do not allow timely access to the Correctional Program, and the offender is close to program completion, the offender may complete the Correctional Program by doing individual make-up sessions. The feasibility of this option is based upon the professional discretion of the receiving site's Correctional Program Facilitator, in conjunction with the Manager Programs, and the sending institution's Correctional Program Facilitator.

All program-related documentation for an offender being transferred must be forwarded by the Correctional Program Facilitator to the receiving operational site within two working days of the offender's transfer.

The Correctional Program Facilitators at the sending and receiving institutions will conduct a conference call to discuss the transfer case. The results of the conference call shall be entered in a Casework Record in the OMS by the receiving Correctional Program Facilitator.

The Correctional Program Facilitator at the receiving site will complete the offender's final report with, when necessary, input from the Correctional Program Facilitator at the sending site.

WRITTEN WORK

All program materials and working notes will be stored in accordance with Policy on Government Security procedures for "Protected B" information.

Written work by offenders is defined as material completed as part of participation in a Correctional Program (e.g., exercises, self-monitoring logs).

Written work is considered the property of the offender and the offender shall keep all originals.

In instances where it is reasonably believed that the offender's safety could be jeopardized as a result of retaining written work, the offender has three options:

the written work can be shredded at the offender's request;
the written work can be sent outside the facility at the offender's expense; or
the written work can be placed among the offender's personal property.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

The Director, Interventions, will promote and facilitate collaboration between assessment, intervention and program staff to:

ensure a greater continuity in correctional planning;
ensure efficient program management; and
maximize program capacity.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM REFERRALS

The Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director will ensure the Correctional Program referrals adhere to the National Correctional Programs Referral Guidelines.

The Parole Officer will:

adhere to the National Correctional Programs Referral Guidelines for Correctional Program referrals;
will consult with a Correctional Program Facilitator when program selection criteria may not be clear, or there are discrepancies between offender file information and the results of a supplementary assessment;
enter program referrals in order of priority in the Correctional Plan and identify a suggested start date.

Referrals will only be made to those Correctional Programs for which offenders meet the criteria based upon the National Correctional Programs Referral Guidelines. For pilot programs, referrals will be made in line with the referral criteria for the pilot program.

Where participation in multiple Correctional Programs is not achievable due to sentence length, the Parole Officer is required to refer each offender to the priority Correctional Program as specified in the National Correctional Programs Referral Guidelines.

Referrals to Correctional Programs are based on the offender's Correctional Plan (CD 705 - Intake Assessment Process) and/or Aboriginal Healing Plan. Operational units will ensure that referrals are entered as outlined in the National Correctional Program Management Guidelines.

In cases where there are dissenting opinions regarding program referrals, the cases can be referred to the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, for review who will be the final authority in making a decision on appropriate program referral.

POSTPONEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Parole Officers will ensure that hearings or reviews before the Parole Board of Canada are not postponed or waived by offenders because of offender non-completion of Correctional Programs not identified in their Correctional Plan.

CORRECTIONAL INTERVENTION BOARDS

The Institutional Heads/District Directors and Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director will ensure that the Correctional Intervention Board is managed in compliance with policy.

The Assistant Warden, Interventions will ensure the participation by a Manager, Assessment and Interventions, and a Manager Programs at each institutional unit, and the Associate District Director will ensure the participation of the Manager Programs in the community.

As per CD 726 - Correctional Programs, the Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director will ensure that Correctional Intervention Boards are, in part, responsible for:

maintaining authority for approving referrals and updating Correctional Program assignments until they are finalized;
reviewing and recording a decision on Correctional Program referrals within 10 working days from the date of application. Where referrals are denied or deferred, the Board or delegate will communicate this decision to the offender's Parole Officer;
ensuring the offender meets the referral criteria and that the program is available in the site program inventory;
approving achievable program referrals for each offender;
ensuring that overrides are documented in the Correctional Plan;
monitoring Correctional Program waitlists, program delivery, participation and rates of completion;
ensuring that Correctional Program participation information is recorded in corporate reporting systems in a timely and reliable manner;
assessing Correctional Program delivery in the operational unit against the number of offenders whose assignments are cancelled or whose referrals are denied; and
maintaining and monitoring the 18-month Correctional Program schedule.

The Correctional Intervention Board can consult and refer a case to the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, to resolve discrepancies regarding overrides to Correctional Programs.

The Manager Programs will approve program referrals, update Correctional Program assignments, and record decisions within 10 working days.

ANNUAL PROGRAM PLANS

As outlined in CD 726 - Correctional Programs, the Institutional Head/District Director is responsible for developing and submitting an Institutional/District Annual Program Plan. Each operational unit will develop and submit an Annual Program Plan to the Director, Interventions, who will subsequently develop and submit the Regional Annual Program Plan to the Regional Deputy Commissioner. The Regional Deputy Commissioner will ensure that all Correctional Programs identified in the Regional Annual Program Plan are national Correctional Programs.

The Regional Annual Program Plans will be amalgamated by the Director, Reintegration Programs, to form the National Annual Program Plan and will be submitted to the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, for review and approval.

The Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director will ensure the delivery of Correctional Programs is based on the Annual Program Plan.

The Regional Annual Program Plans will be monitored by the Director, Reintegration Programs, and a quarterly National Annual Program Plan Progress Report will be produced to measure offender identified needs, number of programs required to meet those needs, number of programs scheduled in the Offender Management System, as well as the number of programs delivered to date and number of offenders' needs met to date.

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM SCHEDULES

Each operational unit must have an accurate 18-month program schedule in OMS that reflects the unit's Annual Program Plan. The 18-month program schedule in OMS will be updated when changes in scheduled program delivery are foreseen, so that relevant information is available for Correctional Program evaluation, research and results-based reporting. The Director, Reintegration Programs, will monitor program schedules and assignments on a monthly basis.

The Manager Programs will ensure:

that Correctional Program schedules include offender participation information and Correctional Program Facilitator identification;
an updated 18-month schedule spreadsheet that includes Correctional Program Facilitator names, expected program delivery, schedule numbers, expected start and end dates is forwarded quarterly to the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, for review;
the Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director is notified where a Correctional Program schedule is delayed by more than two weeks.

The Assistant Warden, Interventions/Associate District Director will notify the Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, where the Correctional Program schedule is delayed by more than two weeks.

The Manager Programs will adhere to the process outlined in National Correctional Program Management Guidelines to make changes to the 18-month program schedules.

Operational Units will assign offenders to Correctional Programs using the OMS Program Assignment Status Definitions found in the National Correctional Program Management Guidelines.

ANNEX A: REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER (RPM) TRAINING GUIDELINES

1. A. Regional Program Managers must have the relevant experience and, at a minimum, be eligible for certification in a Correctional Program area.

B. Prior to the delivery of a Correctional Program training to facilitators, Regional Program Managers must successfully complete training (maximum five days) which consists of the following components:

training in Corporate Reporting Systems* (e.g., HRMS, RADAR);
training on Correctional Program policy;
Quality Review training;
training on methods to evaluate group delivery, program reports and program administration compliance; and
instruction on organizing a training session and providing feedback.

This training is coordinated by the National Manager of the specific Correctional Program area.

C. Following the completion of the training as outlined in paragraph 1B, the Regional Program Manager is then eligible to co-facilitate an initial Correctional Program training to Correctional Program Facilitators.

2. CERTIFICATION OF REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

Certification requires that the Regional Program Manager successfully:

complete the training as outlined in paragraph 1B;
AND
deliver initial Correctional Program training; and
meet the requirements of the Quality Review process as outlined in the National Standards for Correctional Programs;
OR
Regional Program Managers who are already certified as trainers in one Correctional Program area may be certified by the National Manager upon successfully completing the Correctional Program training in another program area on the recommendation of the National Correctional Program Trainer and/or designate within the post-training report.

3. QUALITY REVIEW OF REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

The Quality Review process assesses Regional Program Managers in the areas identified in the Quality Review of Facilitators (CSC/SCC 1313) form to be completed by the trainer.

4. REFRESHER TRAINING FOR REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

Refresher training will be provided when:

the Quality Review identifies a need for it;
the Regional Program Manager was trained but did not deliver training in the Correctional Program area within six months of training;
the Regional Program Manager has been inactive in training in the Correctional Program area for more than 24 months; and/or
significant changes have been made to the Correctional Program area.

ANNEX B: CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS TRAINING GUIDELINES

1. CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

Certification requires that the Correctional Program Facilitator successfully:

complete the initial Correctional Program training;
deliver a minimum of one Correctional Program to offenders (any intensity level, including maintenance programs); and
meet all requirements of the Quality Review process for Correctional Program Facilitators as outlined in the Standards;
OR
Correctional Program Facilitators who are already certified as facilitators in one Correctional Program area can be certified upon the successful completion of the initial Correctional Program training in another Correctional Program area based on the recommendation of the Regional Program Manager in the post-training report.

2. QUALITY REVIEW OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Quality Review process assesses Correctional Program Facilitators in the areas identified in the Quality Review of Facilitators (CSC/SCC 1313) form.

3. REPORT FOR QUALITY REVIEW OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Quality Review of Correctional Program Facilitators results in a standardized training report.

4. REFRESHER TRAINING FOR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The Regional Program Manager responsible for the Correctional Program area will provide refresher training to Correctional Program Facilitators when:

the Quality Review identifies a need for it; or
the Correctional Program Facilitator was trained but did not deliver the Correctional Program in the Correctional Program area within six months of training; or
the Correctional Program Facilitator has been inactive in the delivery of Correctional Programs in that program area for more than 24 months; and/or
significant changes have been made to the Correctional Program area.

ANNEX C: HUMAN RESOURCES PROCESS

1. The following process is to be followed when it is determined that a Regional Program Manager or Correctional Program Facilitator has not met the competency standards necessary to continue in the position:

the required level of job performance being assessed has been clearly determined and communicated to the employee using the Quality Review of Facilitators (CSC/SCC 1313) form;
the Regional Program Manager consults with the Manager Programs to develop a plan for corrective action;
realistic levels of supervision and instructions have been provided to the employee;
a reasonable amount of time has been given to the employee to meet the job performance level required;
concrete feedback and corrective measures have been clearly provided for the employee during the period of performance review; and
the employee has been presented with sensible caution and counselled regarding the consequences of his or her repeated lack of ability to meet the required level of job performance.

2. The Regional Program Manager, in conjunction with the Manager Programs, shall ensure that each step of this process has been documented.

3. Human Resources, Labour Relations Division, shall be consulted by the Manager Programs.

ANNEX D: GUIDE TO DETERMINE THE INTENSITY, DURATION AND SETTING OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS

Target Population		Intensity	Average Duration	Group Setting
Overall Risk	Needs	Intensity	Average Duration	Group Setting
High	High or Moderate to High	High	Minimum 15 to 36 weeks Minimum 10 to 15 hours per week	Closed or open groups 2 Correctional Program Facilitators
High	Moderate- High	High	Minimum 15 to 36 weeks Minimum 10 to 15 hours per week	Closed or open groups 2 Correctional Program Facilitators
Moderate – High	Moderate to Low	Moderate	Between 5 to 25 weeks 5 to 15 hours per week	Closed or open groups 1 or 2 Correctional Program Facilitators according to the Program Area
Moderate	Moderate
Moderate – Low	Moderate to High
Offenders who complete a moderate or high intensity program Given to moderate and high risk offenders		Maintenance	Frequency ranges from weekly to monthly sessions. Duration is determined by the Correctional Program Facilitator in consultaion with the Manager Programs and the Parole Officer	Open groups 1 Correctional Program Facilitator

*Pilot programs will follow their own guidelines to determine the intensity, duration and setting of Correctional Programs.*

ANNEX E: DEFINITIONS

ANNUAL PROGRAM PLAN: An analysis by operational units to determine programming needs and capacity, including the related training and resource requirements.
CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM: A structured intervention that addresses empirically-validated factors directly linked to offenders' criminal behaviour, in order to reduce re-offending.
EMPIRICALLY-BASED MODEL OF CHANGE: A model of how a program facilitates change in offenders' attitudes/behaviour, which is based on theory and supporting research.
QUALITY REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION: The process used to measure both Correctional Program Facilitator competency, and Correctional Program Trainer competency.
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: The individual responsible for the development and the quality of Correctional Programs at the national level.
PROGRAM AREA: A Program Area is a group of Correctional Programs of varying intensity that target similar factors related to offending behaviour.
PROGRAM INTENSITY: Program intensity is the scope, sequencing and duration of treatment related to the seriousness and persistence of offenders' risk and need.
RESPONSIVITY: Responsivity is the presence of a characteristic(s) that influences the offender's capacity to benefit from the targeted intervention(s).