Correctional Programs

Introduction to Correctional Programs

"Changing Lives; Protecting Canadians"

The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) defines the mandate of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) by stating that it shall provide a range of programs designed to address the needs of offenders and contribute to their successful reintegration into the community (CCRA, par. 76).

The 2008 Speech from the Throne identified that tackling crime should be a priority for Canadians. In recent years, the offender population has been increasingly characterized by offenders with extensive histories of violent crimes, previous youth and adult convictions, affiliations with gangs and organized crime, serious substance abuse histories, serious mental health disorders, higher rates of infection with Hepatitis C and HIV, and a disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people.

Moreover, with a greater proportion of offenders serving sentences of under three years (over 50% for new offender admissions), CSC is faced with having to deliver Correctional Programs and other necessary interventions within shorter time frames.

Over the last 20 years, CSC has prioritized the use of Correctional Programs to reduce rates of re-offending and increase safety in Canadian communities. In doing so, CSC has emerged as a world leader in development, implementation, and delivery of evidence-based programs designed to make offenders accountable for their criminal behaviour, change criminal attitudes, and to significantly reduce the risk they present to Canadians when they are released back into society.

The Reintegration Program Division's (RPD) commitment to the Transformation Agenda and the corporate priorities is geared towards development of policies that hold offenders more accountable for program completion (CD 726). The RPD developed referral guidelines that are based on the latest evidence of program effectiveness (National Correctional Programs Referral Guidelines) and online tools to assist staff working with a diverse offender population (Responsivity Portals). The RPD is working hard to integrate education, correctional, social, and employment programs.

Correctional Programs work, in part, because they are developed in adherence to strict criteria and follow management strategies that ensure integrity. However, the biggest factor for success is found in the team of people who train, deliver, and support CSC Correctional Programs. They are the pro-social role models who transform the lives of the offenders they work with.

Regional Program Managers (RPM) and Program Managers (institutions and community) play an important role in the implementation of all national initiatives. Without them, CSC's Correctional Programs would not be available in all the institutions and communities across Canada.

Program facilitators guide the offenders to take accountability for their actions, while motivating them to learn the skills and competencies necessary for their safe reintegration. This is by no means an easy task. Program facilitators use a range of motivational strategies to help the offenders see the value of program participation and behaviour change. Program facilitators are tasked to help offenders identify their risk factors and their strengths. This information allows offenders to develop a comprehensive self-management plan. Furthermore, program facilitators evaluate the offenders on a regular basis to assess their progress toward goals for change. Without the efforts of program facilitators, CSC would lose its greatest resource for initiating and maintaining change.

Correctional Programs are divided into Correctional Program Areas. These areas consist of grouping Correctional Programs of varying intensity that target the same needs.

To ensure Correctional Program integrity and to ensure that rates of program delivery meet offender need, CSC has put in place management procedures. That includes a quality assurance process in each region, which is conducted by a Quality Assurance Coordinator/Regional Program Manager.

CSC has also implemented a Correctional Program Accreditation process to ensure that Correctional Programs are appropriate and effective in reducing rates of re-offending. It is a structured evaluation of a Correctional Program against evidence-based criteria. In addition, CSC has a Site Accreditation process that ensures integrity of Correctional Program delivery and compliance with policy. It is a structured evaluation of the delivery of Correctional Programs at specific operational sites.

General Crime Prevention Programs

The Alternatives, Associates and Attitudes (AAA) Program

Introduction

The Alternatives, Associates and Attitudes Program was developed in 2007 (Stewart, Mongrain & Cantin, 2007 version 1.). The program targets offenders who have a pattern of involvement in property, fraud or drug offences that are not associated directly with substance abuse. It focuses on antisocial peers, pro-criminal attitudes, and self-regulation deficits that are linked to criminal behaviour.

Target Population

The program targets moderate to high risk male offenders on conditional release, or in an institution, whose offence patterns involve crimes for gain (e.g., break & entry, theft, fraud, drug trafficking, etc.). It was not developed for violent or substance abuse offenders.

Program Format

AAA is delivered by one Correctional Program Facilitator trained in the program area. Groups are composed of up to 10 participants.

AAA is designed to be 24-26 group sessions and two individual sessions. The two additional group sessions are optional depending on the needs of the participants in the group.

The group sessions are 2-2.5 hours long each and the individual sessions are approximately 1 hour in length, making a total program time of about 79 hours. The program can be delivered 2-4 times per week. It takes approximately 5-13 weeks to complete the program in its entirety depending on the site regime and the program delivery schedule. AAA is comprised of 4 modules.

Program Modules

Module 1: Introductory Skills Sessions

• Identify pro-social goal setting;
• Teach cognitive restructuring;
• Teach problem-solving;
• Introduce self-management plan.

Module 2: Attitudes/Self-Regulation

• Explore relationship between emotion mismanagement, thinking and criminal behaviour;
• Identify link between criminal thinking and criminal behaviour;
• Address consequences of crime for self and others.

Module 3: Associates/Self-Regulation

• Evaluate personal link between associates and crime;
• Develop plan to create pro-social relationships;
• Develop plan to distance and dissolve criminal relationships and to limit the influence of criminal peers.

Module 4: Self-Management/Relapse Prevention Planning and Practice

• Develop self-management/relapse prevention plan and practice role play;
• Review skills.

Aftercare:
Follow-up in the community is available through the Community Maintenance Program.

Results

The AAA Program will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

The AAA Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

The AAA Program is available at CSC's institutions and district offices across Canada.

Program at a glance

Basic Healing Program

Introduction

The Basic Healing Program (BHP) was developed in 2002 by the Reintegration Programs Division in partnership with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Native Court Worker and Counselling Association of British Columbia.

The Basic Healing Program was developed to address the intergenerational impact of the Indian residential school system. The program provides an historical overview of the common disruptions within traditional Aboriginal social systems, identifies barriers to healthy living, and offers skills and opportunities for the offender to develop a vision of his healing journey. The objective of the Basic Healing Program is to assist Aboriginal offenders in gaining insight into their criminal behavioural patterns. The introduction of cognitive-behavioural relationships is imperative to the approach, as are Elders, traditional Aboriginal teachings, and spiritual/ceremonial process. Development of the program has been steered by the Program Elder Advisors Committee and various Aboriginal stakeholder groups.

Target Population

The Basic Healing Program is a moderate intensity program for male Aboriginal offenders who present with needs in the areas of attitude, relationships, problem-solving, conflict resolution, emotions management, critical reasoning, consequential thinking, and assertive communication.

Program Format

The Program is designed to be delivered by one Aboriginal Correctional Program Facilitator trained in the program area. An Aboriginal Elder is also involved in delivering about 50% of the program content.

The Basic Healing Program is comprised of 9 modules, which translates into roughly 60 sessions. The modules are symbolic of the 9 months of pregnancy. A number of the sessions take the form of Elder-led Aboriginal ceremonies. The program is delivered 5 times per week over a period of 60 days, and lasts 12 weeks in duration. Program sessions are full days.

Program Modules

Module 1: Pre-Contact History

• Acquire knowledge about the importance of the relationship between people and their environment;
• Acquire knowledge about the similarities in spiritual beliefs of pre-contact Aboriginal peoples;
• Develop a spiritual foundation in the group;
• Develop a foundation for identity.

Module 2: Contact History

• Acquire knowledge on the relationship between Aboriginal and European peoples;
• Develop a Spiritual identity based on love, kindness, sharing and understanding.

Module 3: Post-Contact History

• Identify the change in the relationship between Aboriginal and European peoples regarding power and control;
• Identify specific cultural changes resulting from the colonization of the Aboriginal peoples;
• Identify how cultural change impacted on relationships within Aboriginal families and communities;
• Begin developing a Life Circle to identify the root causes of criminality.

Module 4: Healing Issues

• Assist participants in beginning to heal from their personal traumas and identifying the root of their criminality;
• Assist participants in discovering the relationship between their personal traumas and their criminality;
• Develop a holistic (spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical) perspective of behaviour;
• Begin developing a healing journey vision.

Module 5: Relationships

• Acquire knowledge on the impact family violence has on children and, specifically, those participants who have experienced violence as children;
• Acquire knowledge on power and control in relationships;
• Acquire knowledge on traditional relationships;
• Acquire knowledge on holistic anger;
• Acquire knowledge on the harm caused by offending behaviour.

Module 6: Life Circles

• Inform Case Management of participant progress to date;
• Assist participants in acknowledging their patterns of violating behaviors;
• Assist participants in acquiring knowledge of learned behaviours.

Module 7: Communication

• Communication and problem-solving skills development.

Module 8: Family

• Assist participants reconnect with the healthy relationships of their ancestors through oral teachings on human development;
• Assist participants develop skills necessary for healthy relationships.

Module 9: Vision

• Ensure the goals of the Basic Healing Program have been met.

Results

BHP is presently under review with the Performance Assurance sector.

Accreditation Status

BHP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

BHP is available in institutions across Canada. As per the agreement with The Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the Basic Healing Program is available to the Aboriginal Community.

Program at a glance

Circles of Change Program (for Women Offenders)

Introduction

The Circles of Change Program goes beyond recognizing women offenders as a unique segment of the prison population - it acknowledges the importance of addressing the needs of Aboriginal women offenders in particular.

The Circles of Change Program was adapted by the Manitoba Justice Department from the "Moving On" Program with permission from its author, Marilyn Van Dieten, in 2001. The Program is a moderate intensity gender specific program that addresses the criminogenic needs of Aboriginal women offenders. The Program objectives are:

• To provide information about Canadian Aboriginal history as it relates to family and relationships;
• To understand the process of change, goal-setting and goal attainment with the assistance of the Medicine Wheel;
• To understand communication styles, boundaries, self-esteem and self-care issues. To introduce emotions management and self-talk skills;
• To understand the woman's role in her family of origin and explore how family can influence behaviour;
• To identify healthy and unhealthy relationships and explore how these impact on the woman;
• To understand and recognize social injustices and their impact on values and behaviour;
• To develop a relapse prevention plan;
• To use Aboriginal teachings and Medicine Wheel concepts to support the program material in a culturally sensitive manner.

Target Population

The Circles of Change Program targets Aboriginal women who present moderate to high needs and moderate risk.

Program Format

The Circles of Change Program is delivered by an Aboriginal Correctional Program Facilitator and is Elder-assisted.

There are 8 modules in the Program (sub-divided into 19 sections) that are delivered over a 10 week period at a pace of about 3-4 two to three-hour sessions per week (60-80 hours). The Program integrates culturally appropriate ceremonies, such as smudges. To further increase the women's knowledge of their own culture, the Program also incorporates sessions on pre- and post contact Aboriginal history.

Program Modules

Module 1: The Process of Change - Setting Personal Goals for Change

• Teach awareness and the process of change;
• Explore costs and benefits of criminal behaviour, as well as the cost and benefits of change.

Module 2: The Knowledge of Canadian Aboriginal Culture

• Learn about colonialism;
• Learn about historical contributions of women in the fur trade;
• Learn about the inter-generational impact of residential schools on Native people;
• Learn about native concepts of Elders.

Module 3: Communication Styles - Boundaries, Self-Esteem, and Self-Care Issues

• Learn communication styles;
• Learn assertiveness skills;
• Explore self-esteem issues.

Module 4: Problem-Solving Skills, Self-Talk and Stress Management Skills

• Identify and change inappropriate coping strategies with more appropriate ones, such as a positive self-talk;

Module 5: The Woman's Role in Her Family of Origin

• Identify positive role models;
• Explore parenting styles;
• Develop healthy bond between mother and child;
• Learn about foetal alcohol syndrome.

Module 6: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

• Explore healthy and unhealthy relationship styles.

Module 7: Social Injustice (Racism, Sexism, and Sexual Exploitation)

• Explore impact of racism, sexism, and sexual exploitation on women.

Module 8: Develop and Maintain Personal Relationships

• Develop a list of community resources to use after being released from the correctional facility (e.g., lawyers, women shelter workers, etc.).

Aftercare:
Circle of Change Program graduates are recommended to participate in the Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program.

Results

Preliminary results indicate that the Program is perceived (by both staff and women) as needed and useful, and as being helpful to women in making progress toward their goals. The Program content is also seen as relevant, and appropriate; however, there were problems with regards to covering the material for each module in a timely manner.

Participants understood the Program's goals and, at program completion, many had reached the active or maintenance stage of change. After program completion, women had healthier relationship skills and fewer unhealthy attachment style traits. Women also experienced increases in self-esteem and decreases in pro-criminal cognitions.

Accreditation Status

A new modernised moderate intensity program for Aboriginal women will be developed.

Implementation Status

The Circle of Change Program was implemented at the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge in 2003. Currently, the Program is being delivered at CSC's Nova Institution, Joliette Institution, Grand Valley Institution, Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, Edmonton Institution for Women, and Fraser Valley Institution.

Program at a glance

Violence Prevention Programs

Special attention is being given to the Violence Prevention Programs at CSC. The delivery of interventions to reduce violent re-offending has been identified as one of CSC's priorities in the 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities (s. 2.2) and they aim to contribute to the achievement of CSC's second priority: "Safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions".

The VPP family of programs contains the Violence Prevention Program - High Intensity, the Violence Prevention Program - Moderate Intensity, the Violence Prevention Program -  Maintenance, the Women's Violence Prevention Program, the New Spirit

Violence Prevention Program - High Intensity (VPP-HI)

Introduction

The Violence Prevention Program was developed in 1998 (Bettman, Yazar, Rowe, 1998 v1) and implemented in 2000. Most recently, VPP-HI was enhanced and updated in 2008 (Yazar, Bettman, Long, Eno, Carson 2008 v.2). The Program objective is to contribute to the reduction of violent recidivism.

Target Population

VPP-HI targets male offenders who have committed violent crimes and are at a high risk for violence. From a sample of 29,856 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, 23.8% met the criteria for participation in a Violent Offender Program¹.

Program Format

VPP-HI is delivered by two Correctional Program Facilitators trained in the program area.

The total program length of VPP-HI is 82, two-hour group sessions, plus 4 individual sessions. Program facilitators deliver each session at a rate of six times per week. The average duration of a VPP-HI program is four months. The VPP-HI consists of 9 modules, with each module ranging in length between 6 and 12 sessions.

Program Modules

Module 1: Making Changes

• Enhance offenders' engagement.

Module 2: Self-Management

• Introduce self-management plan;
• Identify risk factors and select strategies to prevent risky behaviour;
• Assist offenders in using the self-management plan.

Module 3: Anger and Emotion Management

• Teach emotional arousal reduction and other coping skills.

Module 4: Solving Problems

• Teach how to use problem-solving strategies to evaluate violence.

Module 5: Social Attitudes

• Identify and challenge attitudes and beliefs;
• Develop personal standards incompatible with using violence.

Module 6: Working Towards Goals

• Examine advantages of goal-setting and planning for the future;
• Explore types of self-control and how to manage self-control failures.

Module 7: Communication and Resolving Conflicts

• Teach basic communication skills to resolve conflicts constructively.

Module 8: Antisocial Associates and Attitudes

• Address offenders' personal and social support systems.

Module 9: Self-Management

• Finalization and presentation of the self-management plan.

Aftercare:
VPP-HI graduates are recommended to participate in the VPP-Maintenance Program in institution. Follow-up in the community is available through the Community Maintenance Program.

Results

VPP results show that offenders in the Intent-to-Treat (ITT) group were 29% less likely to be re-admitted after release for recidivating, including for technical revocations. ITT group members were 41% less likely to return to custody for a new offence, and approximately half as likely (52%) to be re-admitted with a new violent offence. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on VPP yields $1.62 in cost savings².

Accreditation Status

The Violence Prevention Program was accredited by an international panel of experts in 2000, and re-accredited in 2005.

Implementation Status

The Violence Prevention Program is available in medium and maximum security institutions across Canada, as well as within the Scottish Prison Service, the Danish Prison and Probation Service, and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.

Program at a glance

Violence Prevention Program - Moderate Intensity (VPP-MI)

Introduction

The Violence Prevention Program - Moderate Intensity was developed by the Reintegration Programs Division (Yazar, 2007) in response to a need for a program targeted for male offenders whose violence was not just as a result of difficulties with managing their anger but who did not meet the selection criteria of the Violence Prevention Program - High Intensity. The objective of VPP-MI is to reduce violent recidivism for those offenders who are violent not only because of deficits in emotional regulation.

Target Population

Moderate risk violent offenders are the target population for this Violence Prevention Program.

Program Format

The VPP-MI program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator.

The program consists of 8 modules. The total number of group sessions is 36, with an additional 3 individual sessions making for a program total of 39 sessions.

The program is delivered 3 to 5 times per week, resulting in an average duration of three months.

Program Modules

Module 1: Making Changes

• Enhance offenders' engagement.

Module 2: Self-Management

• Introduce self-management plan;
• Identify risk factors and select strategies to prevent risky behaviour;
• Assist offenders in using the self-management plan.

Module 3: Anger and Emotion Management

• Teach emotional arousal reduction and other coping skills.

Module 4: Solving Problems

• Teach how to use problem-solving strategies to evaluate violence.

Module 5: Social Attitudes

• Identify and challenge attitudes and beliefs;
• Develop personal standards incompatible with using violence.

Module 6: Working Towards Goals

• Examine advantages of goal-setting and planning for the future;
• Explore types of self-control and how to manage self-control failures.

Module 7: Communication and Resolving Conflicts

• Teach basic communication skills to resolve conflicts constructively.

Module 8: Self-Management

• Finalization and presentation of the self-management plan.

Aftercare:
VPP-MI graduates are recommended to participate in the VPP-Maintenance Program in institution. Aftercare in the community is available through the Community Maintenance Program.

Results

VPP-MI will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

VPP-MI will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

VPP-MI is available at CSC's institutions and district offices across Canada.

Program at a glance

Violence Prevention Program - Maintenance

Introduction 

As part of the Violence Prevention Program model, graduates of VPP (High or Moderate) are provided with aftercare in the institution in the form of VPP-Maintenance, or in the community with the Community Maintenance Program. The sessions are designed to assist offenders apply the skills learned in previous programming so they can monitor and cope with daily life challenges.

Target Population

The Maintenance Program targets male offenders who have completed the Violence Prevention Program.

Program Format

The Program is delivered to up to 10 offenders at a time by one Correctional Program Facilitator trained in the Violence Prevention Program area.

The program sessions are designed to be 2 hours in length. The Program is delivered in either an individual or group format. In the community, each offender participates in the Community Maintenance Program as based on his risk and need.

Offenders who complete the Maintenance Program can be re-referred if there is a change in risk.

Results

The Maintenance Program is evaluated as part of the Correctional Program area.

Accreditation Status

The Maintenance Program is not accredited separately from the Violence Prevention Program, as it is essential aftercare. The Maintenance Program was accredited in 2000.

Implementation Status

The program is available at CSC institutions.

Program at a glance

Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP)

Introduction

The Women's Violence Prevention Program was co-authored by Dr. Kelly Blanchette, Director, Women Offender Research, and Doris Fortin, Manager, Programs for Women Offenders. It was implemented in February 2008 at four out of the five women's institutions.

The objective of the Program is to not only reduce violent recidivism, but to also help the women develop ways of living that are incompatible with violence.

Target Population

The Women's Violence Prevention Program is designed to address the criminogenic needs of women offenders who have a history of acting out violently (Schedule 1 offences, Murder 1, and Murder 2).

Snapshot reports of the incarcerated women offender population indicate that 30% of the women have a history of having committed two or more violent offences.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator. Program groups are composed of up to 10 participants.

The Program consists of 40 group sessions, with each session lasting 2.5 hours. The Program also comprises 7 individual contact sessions, which include the exit interview, but exclude the initial interview. Frequency of delivery is intended to be 4 to 6 sessions per week. The duration of one cycle is estimated at 13 weeks.

New participants can be admitted to the Program at the start of each module. Program participants must complete a 10-session Education and Engagement module as part of a continuum of care.

Program Modules

Module 1: The Context of Violence

• Provide increased awareness on how violence is learned and motivational inspiration for change.

Module 2: Self-Regulation

• Empower women to manage their lives by making informed and responsible choices.

Module 3: Emotion Management

• Explore how the use of violence may be linked to emotion management.

Module 4: Thoughts and Beliefs Supportive of Violent Behaviour

• Examine personal standards and values as they link to a behaviour.

Module 5: Relationships

• Identify the links between identity, relationships, and use of violence.

Module 6: Survival Strategies

• Focus on the survival strategies that may have negative consequences (drug trafficking, sex trade, etc.).

Module 7: Lifestyle

• Reflect on lifestyle issues that can increase risk of using violence or being victimized.

Each module ends with a Self-Management session. Participants are asked to develop/review their self-management plan based on their risk factors and goals for change.

Aftercare:
WVPP graduates are recommended to participate in the Community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance Program for Women.

Results

WVPP will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

WVPP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

WVPP is available in women offender institutions at CSC.

Program at a glance

New Spirit of a Warrior Program

Introduction

The New Spirit of a Warrior Program was developed in 2001 by the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA). In 2002, the Program was piloted with women offenders incarcerated in the co-located unit in Saskatchewan Penitentiary. The New Spirit of a Warrior Program was designed to address the needs of Aboriginal women offenders, specifically targeting violence, substance abuse, and gang association. The objective of the Program is to reduce violent recidivism.

Target Population

The New Spirit of a Warrior Program is a high-intensity violence prevention program that was designed to address the needs of Aboriginal women.

From a sample of 618 Aboriginal women offender admissions, it was determined that 14.1% (N = 87) met the referral criteria for Spirit of a Warrior (SOAW)³.

Program Format

The New Spirit of a Warrior Program is delivered by a trained Aboriginal Correctional Program Facilitator and an Elder.

The Program consists of 92 sessions, with session length varying from 1 to 2 hours long each. Experienced facilitators have the capacity to determine which sessions meet the needs of each group of participants. One program cycle takes about 3 months to complete. The Program is divided into four sections (introduction, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood/alternatives to violence) and eight modules.

Program Modules

Module 1: Anger Awareness

• Define anger;
• Address beliefs, attitudes, feelings, experience and triggers of anger.

Module 2: Violence Awareness

• Define violence;
• Address factors that influence violence, the cycle of violence, and impacts of violence.

Module 3: Family of Origin Awareness

• Examine childhood experiences;
• Address family relationships and their influence;
• Address source of family conflict.

Module 4: Self-Awareness

• Address inner child and interpersonal relationships;
• Address Aboriginal and cultural identity;
• Address personal boundaries and limits.

Module 5: Individual Skill Development

• Develop self-care plan;
• Identify expression of feelings, empowerment, empathy, self-control, and grieving.

Module 6: Group Skill Development

• Develop personal goals;
• Develop comforting and safe environment through trust and self-disclosure.

Module 7: Cultural Awareness

• Teach the role of spirituality in the healing process and importance of ceremony.

Module 8: Cognitive Learning

• Address self-care, process of change, self-esteem;
• Address impact of labeling, racism, prejudice and stereotypes.

Aftercare:
New Spirit of a Warrior Program graduates are recommended to participate in the Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program.

Results

For the New Spirit of a Warrior Program, the Intent-to-Treat and Comparison groups did not differ in their likelihood of any form of recidivism (p = .36), or with a new offence in particular (p = .65). There was insufficient data to analyse whether groups differed in their likelihood to recidivate with a violent offence. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on the New Spirit of a Warrior Program yields $1.88 in cost savings⁴.

Accreditation Status

SOAW will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

SOAW is delivered at specific CSC women offender institutions and womens healing lodges across Canada (currently at the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, the Edmonton Institution for Women, and Fraser Valley Institution).

Program at a glance

In Search of Your Warrior Program (ISOYW)

Introduction

The In Search of Your Warrior Program (ISOYW) is an Aboriginal violence prevention program. ISOYW is a culturally appropriate alternative to the general Violence Prevention Program. The Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) are the developers and owners of the ISOYW Program. 

The Program blends aspects of traditional Aboriginal teachings and spirituality with western approaches to treatment. The objective of the Program is to reduce violent recidivism. ISOYW provides participants an opportunity to gain insight into how violence evolves and how it is passed from generation to generation.

The ISOYW Program was introduced into the Correctional Service of Canada in 1999 at the Stan Daniels Healing Center.

Target Population

ISOYW is a high intensity intervention for male Aboriginal offenders with a history of violence.

From a sample of 5,735 Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 43% (N =2,461) met the referral criteria for In Search of Your Warrior (ISOYW)⁵.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by two trained Correctional Program Facilitators (one of whom is an Aboriginal Correctional Program Officer) and an Aboriginal Elder.

ISOYW is an 8 week program consisting of 75 sessions for a total of approximately 105 hours of program time. It is presented within an Aboriginal life-stage framework spanning from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Spiritual and ceremonial days are built into the program design. The Program has 8 modules.

Program Modules

Module 1: Anger Awareness

• Define anger;
• Address beliefs, attitudes, feelings, experience and triggers of anger.

Module 2: Violence Awareness

• Define violence;
• Address factors that influence violence, the cycle of violence, and impacts of violence.

Module 3: Family of Origin Awareness

• Examine childhood experiences;
• Address family relationships and their influence;
• Address source of family conflict.

Module 4: Self-Awareness

• Address inner child and interpersonal relationships;
• Address Aboriginal and cultural identity;
• Address personal boundaries and limits.

Module 5: Individual Skill Development

• Develop a self-care plan;
• Identify expression of feelings, empowerment, empathy, self-control, and grieving.

Module 6: Group Skill Development

• Development of personal goals;
• Development of comforting and safe environment through trust and self-disclosure.

Module 7: Cultural Awareness

• Teach the role of spirituality in the healing process and importance of ceremony.

Module 8: Cognitive Learning

• Address self-care, process of change, self-esteem;
• Address impact of labeling, racism, prejudice and stereotypes.

Aftercare:
ISOYW graduates are recommended to participate in the Community Maintenance Program.

Results

Results indicate that Aboriginal male offenders who were exposed to ISOYW were 19% less likely to recidivate overall relative to offenders in the comparison group (p < .10). Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on the New Spirit of a Warrior Program yields $3.48 in cost savings ⁶.

Accreditation Status

The ISOYW Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

The ISOYW Program is available at CSC institutions. It is important to note, however, that the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) are the proprietors and copyright holders of the Program.

Program at a glance

Family Violence Prevention Programs

The Family Violence Prevention Program menu includes the National High Intensity, Moderate Intensity, Aboriginal High Intensity and Maintenance programs. In addition to these programs, a treatment primer is used to prepare participants for program involvement in all of the family violence programs.

Treatment Primer (Roadways to Change)

Introduction

Candidates for the program are assessed on readiness to change. For offenders who will not participate in the near future, or who are identified as appropriate for the program but are 'not ready' to participate, a treatment primer (Roadways to Change) will be offered to prepare them for engaging in the treatment process.

The treatment primer consists of an information package, or resource kit, designed to raise awareness of family violence issues and promote the value of addressing family violence concerns in a non-confrontational manner. Resource materials include a self-administered workbook of information and basic exercises. In addition, facilitators can make use of videos, testimonials and biographies of men who have changed. Trained staff provides follow-up sessions with offenders who are given the resource materials to review their progress and respond to questions. Please note that this intervention is NOT a Correctional Program and should not be considered as a replacement for the moderate or high programs.

High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program

Introduction

The High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (Stewart, Gabora, & Hill, 2000 v.1) provides intervention to male federal offenders who are assessed as high risk to be violent in their intimate relationships. It was developed based on the Effective Corrections literature by CSC following a national review of existing programs. The Program conceptualizes violence against women as being determined at a number of levels. A key principle of the model is that responding with violence and abuse in intimate relationships is a learned pattern of behaviour that can be modified. The main goal of the Program is the elimination of violence and abuse toward intimate female partners.

Target Population

The High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program targets male offenders who are at high risk to re-offend in their intimate relationships.

From a sample of 20,306 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 16.6% (N = 3,361) met the referral criteria for either the National Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (MI-FVPP, N = 2,075) or the National High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (HI-FVPP, N = 1,286)⁷.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by two trained Correctional Program Facilitators (one of whom is a psychologist), or two trained Correctional Program Officers with the clinical oversight of a psychologist trained in the program area.

The Program is designed to be about 78 group sessions and at least 8 individual sessions. The group sessions are 2-2.5 hours long each and the individual sessions are around 1 hour, making a total program time of a minimum of 164 hours. The Program is usually delivered 4-5 times a week and takes approximately 4 months to complete depending on the site regime and the program delivery schedule. There are 9 modules designed to motivate the offender, impart information, help him develop insight, and teach skills in a series of stages.

Program Modules

Module 1: Motivational Enhancement

• Increase understanding of and interest in program content, as well as motivation to change;
• Develop therapeutic goals that will be monitored throughout the program.

Module 2: Awareness and Education

• Educate and increase awareness of the dynamics of family violence;
• Enhance understanding of healthy relationships.

Module 3: Autobiographies

• Review factors that influenced participants' abusive patterns;
• Review abusive patterns in previous relationships;
• Develop increased awareness of role in perpetuating abusive patterns.

Modules 4, 5, 6: Skill Building (Thinking Skills, Managing Emotions, Social Skills)

• Identify specific targets for change, including thinking patterns, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that underlie abuse, using the ABC model;
• Develop skills to make targeted changes;
• Practice self-management techniques;
• Develop social skills;
• Practice skills using role plays and other exercises;
• Link skills to empathy building and maintenance of healthy relationships.

Module 7: Parenting

• Identify the range of abusive behaviours that are child abuse;
• Understand the impact of child abuse and being child witnesses of abuse;
• Identify what abusers can do to assist child (witness of abuse);
• Discuss aspects of non-abusive (nurturing) parenting;
• Discuss how to manage high-risk situations that are triggered over co-parenting issues.

Module 8: Relapse Prevention and Risk Management - Making It on the Street

• Identify abusive patterns in relationships;
• Develop a specific relapse cycle;
• Develop and present explicit, detailed relapse prevention plans and community follow-up.

Module 9: Healthy Relationships

• Integrate all program material under the common theme of healthy relationships;
• Review how the program material will help offenders develop healthier relationships.

Aftercare:
High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program graduates are recommended to participate in the National Family Violence Maintenance Program in institution or in the Community Maintenance Program (when available).

Results

Non-Aboriginal male offenders exposed to HI/MI-FVPP were less likely than the comparison group to return to custody for any form of recidivism (including technical revocations), and MI-FVPP participants were less likely to return with a new offence. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on the High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program yields $2.42 in cost savings.⁸.

Accreditation Status

HI-FVPP was accredited in March 2001.

Implementation Status

HI-FVPP is available at CSC institutions across Canada, as well as through the Volunteers of America in the United States, within the State of Iowa in the United States, and Her Majesty's Prison Service in the United Kingdom.

Program at a glance

Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program

Introduction

The Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (Stewart, Gabora, & Hill, 2000 v.1) provides intervention to male federal offenders who are assessed as moderate risk to be violent in their intimate relationships. It was developed based on the Effective Corrections literature by CSC following a national review of existing programs. The Program conceptualizes violence against women as being determined at a number of levels. A key principle of the model is that responding with violence and abuse in intimate relationships is a learned pattern of behaviour that can be modified. The main goal of the Program is the elimination of violence and abuse toward intimate female partners.

Target Population

The Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program targets male offenders who are at moderate risk to re-offend in their intimate relationships.

From a sample of 20,306 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 16.6% (N = 3,361) met the referral criteria for either the National Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (MI-FVPP, N = 2,075) or the National High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (HI-FVPP, N = 1,286)⁹.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by two trained Correctional Program Facilitators.

The Program is designed to occur over the course of 29 group sessions and at least 3 individual sessions. The group sessions are 2-2.5 hours long each and the individual sessions are around 1 hour, making a total program time of roughly 75 hours. The program can be delivered 2-4 times a week and takes approximately 5-13 weeks to complete, depending on the site regime and the program delivery schedule. There are 6 modules designed to motivate the offender, impart information, help him develop insight, and teach skills in a series of stages.

Program Modules

Module 1: Motivational Enhancement

• Increase understanding of and interest in the program content, as well as motivation to change;
• Develop therapeutic goals that will be monitored throughout the program.

Module 2: Awareness and Education

• Educate and increase awareness of the dynamics of family violence;
• Introduce factors that contribute to family violence;
• Examine origins of abuse patterns;
• Examine the role the larger culture and subcultures play in forming attitudes and values;
• Understand the impact of violent behaviour on partners and children and increase understanding of healthy and abusive relationship patterns.

Module 3: Managing Thoughts and Emotions related to Abuse

• Illustrate link between irrational beliefs, negative attitudes and the strong emotions that lead to controlling or violent behaviours(ABC model);
• Teach alternative thinking patterns;
• Train how to use self-control techniques in order to manage the strong emotions associated with abuse.

Module 4: Social Skills

• Teach communication skills;
• Teach negotiation;
• Teach conflict resolution.

Module 5: Relapse Management

• Examine personal risk factors and high risk situations for abusive behaviour;
• Demonstrate methods of coping with high risk situations;
• Develop personal relapse prevention/risk management plans.

Module 6: Healthy Relationships

• Integrate all the information learned in the program;
• Redefine healthy relationships and recognize the link between healthy, intimate relationships and lifestyle balance;
• Deal with larger issues of family relationships and positive parenting.

Aftercare:
Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program graduates are recommended to participate in the National Family Violence Maintenance Program in institution or in the Community Maintenance Program (when available).

Results

Non-Aboriginal male offenders exposed to HI/MI-FVPP were less likely than the comparison group to return to custody for any form of recidivism (including technical revocations), and MI-FVPP participants were less likely to return with a new offence. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on the Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program yields $2.31 in cost savings.¹⁰.

Accreditation Status

MI-FVPP was accredited in March 2001.

Implementation Status

MI-FVPP is available at CSC institutions and in community parole offices across Canada, as well as through the Volunteers of America in United States, within the State of Iowa in the United States, Her Majesty's Prison Service in the United Kingdom, and the English Probation Service in England. A revised version of the Program has also been implemented by the Province of British Columbia.

Program at a glance

National Family Violence Maintenance Program

Introduction

As part of the Family Violence Prevention Program model, graduates of FVP (High or Moderate Intensity) are provided with aftercare in the institution in the form of the Family Violence Maintenance Program, or in the community with the Community Maintenance Program. The sessions are designed to assist offenders apply the skills learned in previous programming so that they can monitor and cope with daily life problems.

Target Population

The Maintenance Program targets male offenders who have completed a Family Violence Prevention Program.

Program Format

The Program is delivered to up to 10 offenders by one Correctional Program Facilitator trained in the Family Violence Prevention Program area. If there are more than 10 participants, the program is delivered by two facilitators.

The Program sessions are designed to be 2 hours in length. The Program is delivered in either an individual or a group format. In the community, each participant takes at least 3 sessions when evaluated for additional sessions. In the institution, the participants must take one session per month for 6 months, and then is evaluated for further sessions.

Offenders who have left the Maintenance Program can be re-referred if there is a perceived change of status or risk level.

Results

The Maintenance Program will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

The Maintenance Program was accredited in March 2001.

Implementation Status

The Maintenance Program is available at CSC institutions.

Program at a glance

High Intensity Aboriginal Family Violence Program

Introduction

The High Intensity Aboriginal Family Violence Program (HIAFVP) is an Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Program for Aboriginal offenders. The HIAFVP is a culturally appropriate alternative to the High Intensity Family Violence Program.

The Program represents an integration of traditional Aboriginal healing approaches and Principles of Effective Corrections. Aboriginal cultural teaching and spirituality are integral to program design. The HIAFVP replaces all unaccredited Aboriginal Family Violence Programs.

The HIAFVP was developed based on an Aboriginal Family Violence Program model by the Ma Ma Wi Chi Itata Centre. The Program was developed with the direct input of members of the Program Elder Advisors Committee. The objective of the Program is to reduce family violence recidivism.

The Program was originally developed in November 2003 and was implemented in demonstration mode at a number of pilot sites. The Program was subsequently revised in September 2004 and again in January 2008.

Target Population

The High Intensity Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Program (HIAFVP) provides intervention to male Aboriginal federal offenders who are assessed as high risk to be violent in their intimate relationships.

From a sample of 4,363 Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 32.0% (N = 1,394) met the referral criteria for either the National Moderate Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (MI-FVPP, N = 2,075), the National High Intensity Family Violence Prevention Program (HI-FVPP, N = 1,286), or the National Aboriginal High Intensity Family Violence Program (NAHI-FVPP)¹¹.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by two trained Correctional Program Facilitators (one of whom is an Aboriginal Correctional Program Officer) and an Aboriginal Elder.

HIAFVP consists of 75 sessions, including 8-10 individual sessions and 5 days of spiritual ceremonies. Sessions are approximately 2 hours in duration. The length of the entire Program is approximately 13 weeks. The Program has 9 modules in total.

Program Modules

Module 1: My Place in the Circle

• Orient group members to the group process and program content;
• Develop trust in Aboriginal Program Officers and Elders and build a Circle/Community;
• Commit to journey and set personal goals for the program;
• Build an awareness of the consequences of not changing;
• Introduce the Medicine Wheel as a tool for achieving balance and harmony;
• Introduce the extent and range of abusive behaviours.

Module 2: Understanding and Knowing the Path

• Review factors that influence participants' abusive patterns;
• Recognize the role that culture plays in forming attitudes and values;
• Introduce the ABC Model;
• Acknowledge the influence of colonization;
• Recognize that family violence is unacceptable and not part of traditional Aboriginal culture.

Module 3: Learning from our Paths

• Review abusive patterns in previous relationships;
• Develop increased awareness of participants' role in perpetuating abusive patterns;
• Recognize and claim the influences that contributed to the violence;
• Acknowledge violent patterns of behaviour and choose to change as a prerequisite to stopping future violent behaviours;
• Make commitment to balance oneself mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Module 4: Changing Beliefs

• Identify thinking errors, attitudes, self-talk, beliefs and behaviours that underlie abuse and violence;
• Develop thinking skills to make targeted changes;
• Practice skills.

Module 5: Balancing Emotions

• Learn to identify emotions that are on the surface, as well as those that are hidden;
• Practice self-management techniques;
• Rehearse managing situations that evoke strong emotions.

Module 6: Lessons from the West

• Learn and practice communication skills;
• Learn how to handle situations that can trigger strong emotions;
• Learn how to communicate assertively;
• Learn problem-solving techniques that integrate emotional skills, traditional beliefs, and communication skills.

Module 7: Parenting

• Understand how historical events have affected Aboriginal peoples' parenting;
• Understand the impact of child abuse and being witness to child abuse at a young age;
• Identify what abusers can do to assist child witnesses of abuse;
• Identify the range of abusive behaviours that are child abuse;
• Learn to respect and nurture children;
• Discuss how to manage high risk situations that are triggered over co-parenting issues.

Module 8: My Wellness Wheel

• Identify abusive patterns in relationships and plan for high risk factors;
• Develop a detailed Wellness Wheel;
• Develop and present explicit, detailed Self-Management/Relapse Prevention plans and community follow-up.

Module 9: Sacred Relationships

• Integrate program content and teachings to promote healthy and sacred relationships (using Medicine Wheel);
• Understand that the journey is a lifelong process.

Aftercare:
HIAFVP graduates are recommended to participate in institutional maintenance.

Results

No significant differences were found between institutional outcomes (charges and discretionary releases), community outcomes for HI-FVPP, MI-FVPP, or the National Aboriginal HI-FVPP groups¹².

Accreditation Status

HIAFVP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

HIAFVP is available at CSC institutions across Canada.

Program at a glance

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS

CSC provides a range of substance abuse programs for specific populations (male, women, Aboriginal, incarcerated, community), risk, and need (various intensity levels) to best match offenders to the most appropriate programming. The National Substance Abuse Programs (High Intensity, Moderate Intensity, Low Intensity) were developed by the Reintegration Programs Division (Sylvie Blanchet, John Eno and Carmen Long) in 2003 (Accreditation Case File 2003).

Although 70% of CSC's offenders have been identified as demonstrating some difficulty with substance abuse, about 50% have a direct link between their substance use and criminal behaviour.

National Substance Abuse Program - High Intensity (NSAP- High)

Introduction

Prior to the implementation of NSAP-High, high need offenders were referred to the moderate intensity Offender Substance Abuse Pre-Release Program (OSAPP) and were supplemented with institutional maintenance and the Choices Program upon release. The results of program evaluations and operational experience, in conjunction with the recommendations made during meetings with the international program accreditation panel, were used to shape the current substance abuse program model.

Initially referred to as HISAP (High Intensity Substance Abuse Program), the Program was first pilot tested in all regions in 2001, redeveloped accordingly, and implemented nationally in 2004 as NSAP-High.

The primary objective of NSAP-High is to assist high need/high risk substance abusing offenders cope with life situations without resorting to drug and/or alcohol misuse that results in criminal behaviour.

Target Population

The NSAP-High Program targets offenders who require high intensity substance abuse programs as assessed by the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA - Addiction Research Centre, 2002), are at high risk to re-offend, and whose substance use is directly linked to crime. To bring the Program more in line with the risk/need principle, the Program's entrance criteria was refined in 2008 to include the dimension of risk¹³.

From a sample of 13,606 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 27.6% (N = 3,748) met the referral criteria for the National Substance Abuse Program - High Intensity (NSAP-High)¹⁴.

Program Format

NSAP-High is co-facilitated by two Correctional Program Facilitators who have completed training in the program area. Maximum group size is 12 participants.

The total program length of NSAP-High is 89, two-hour group sessions, plus several individual sessions. Program facilitators deliver six to seven sessions per week. The average duration of a NSAP-High program is five months.

Each National Substance Abuse Program (NSAP-High, Moderate and Low) shares the same four program phases as per the Transtheoretical Model of Change (Prochaska, DiClemente, & Norcross, 1992). The focus of Phase 1 is on having participants explore what they may be prepared to change (pre-contemplation and contemplation). In Phase II, participants identify their personal risk factors and learn how to manage them differently (contemplation and preparation). In Phase III, participants learn basic cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage their risk (action). In Phase IV, the participants are guided to use these skills for relapse prevention and life area planning (action and maintenance).

Program Modules

Module 1:  Exploring My Options

• Overview of the program and expectations;
• Become motivated;
• Explore basic communication skills;
• Learn self-monitoring and goal-setting;
• Explore barriers.

Module 2:  Obstacles to my Options

• Identify personal risk factors;
• Make connection between substance use and crime;
• Examine lifestyle imbalance;
• Revise goal-setting and recognize how risk factors build.

Module 3:  Overcoming the Obstacles to my Options

• Introduce problem-solving steps.

Module 4: Expanding my Options

• Introduce thinking process, risky thinking and harmful beliefs and techniques to change harmful thinking.

Module 5: Expanding my Options

• Focus on how to have better relationships, gain more freedom and personal control;
• Instruction and practice for a range of social skills, such as conflict management and communication skills.

Module 6:  Keeping My Options Open

• Develop relapse prevention plan;
• Examine each major substance use risk category;
• Identify relapse management strategies.

Module 7:  Keeping my Options Open

• Complete life area planning;
• Look at each life area to explore and plan around potential barriers.

Module 8:  Getting Ready

• Wrap up;
• Prepare for the next steps.

Aftercare:
NSAP-High graduates are recommended to participate in institutional maintenance, the NSAP Pre-Release Booster Program, and the Community Maintenance Program, as required.

Results

Community outcome analyses revealed positive results, with NSAP-High participants being 45% less likely to return with a new offence and 63% less likely to return with a new violent offence. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on NSAP-High yields $2.03 in cost savings.¹⁵.

Accreditation Status

The NSAP-High Program was accredited by an international panel of experts in 2004.

Implementation Status

NSAP-High is available primarily at medium security CSC institutions in all regions across Canada.

Program at a glance

National Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity (NSAP-Moderate)

Introduction

The NSAP-Moderate Program replaced the Offender Substance Abuse Pre-Release Program (OSAPP) in 2004. Although OSAPP showed significant reductions in recidivism¹⁶, research, experience, and recommendations from the international accreditation panel indicated the need for a more integrated approach with an emphasis on substance use and crime, and increased cognitive and skills practice.

The primary objective of NSAP-Moderate is to assist moderate need/risk substance abusing offenders cope with life situations without resorting to drug and/or alcohol misuse that results in criminal behaviour.

Target Population

The target group for the NSAP-Moderate Program are offenders with a moderate level of substance abuse problem as assessed by the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA, Addiction Research Center, 2002), at high to moderate risk to re-offend, and whose substance use is linked to their criminal behaviour. To bring the Program more in line with the risk/need principle, the Program's entrance criteria was refined in 2008 to include the dimension of risk¹⁷.

From the same sample of 13,606 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 15.7% (N = 2,133) met the referral criteria for the National Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity (NSAP-Moderate)¹⁸.

Program Format

The program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator. Maximum group size is 10 participants.

The Program consists of 26 two-hour sessions, four to five sessions per week, and one individual session mid-way through the program. The duration of the Program is 5 to 6 weeks.

Each National Substance Abuse Program (NSAP-High, Moderate and Low) shares the same four program phases as per the Transtheoretical Model of Change (Prochaska, DiClemente, & Norcross, 1992). The focus of Phase 1 is on having participants explore what they may be prepared to change (pre-contemplation and contemplation). In Phase II, participants identify their personal risk factors and learn how to manage them differently (contemplation and preparation). In Phase III, participants learn basic cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage their risk (action). In Phase IV, the participants are guidedto use these skills for relapse prevention and life area planning (action and maintenance).

Program Modules

Module 1: Deciding What I Would Like to Change

• Introduce basic social skills;
• Teach how to self-monitor;
• Look at reasons for using;
• Explore cost/benefit thinking and the process of change;
• Learn how to cope with cravings;
• Introduce relapse process, fear of change;
• Learn how crime and substance use are related.

Module 2: Improving the Odds

• Identify personal substance use risk situations;
• Understand the 'in control' to 'out of control' process;
• Map out personal substance abuse and crime behaviour chains;
• Explore obstacles when released to the community;
• Learn how to see and solve problems.

Module 3: Learning the Tools for Change

• Learn the thinking process;
• Recognize and change risky thinking and harmful beliefs;
• Use thinking to help stay on track and in control;
• Develop personal relapse prevention plans;
• Learn how to use social skills to improve current relationships, form future relationships, deal with conflict, difficult people and pressure to use.

Module 4:  Using the Skills and Planning for My Future

• Learn how to make sure a slip does not become a relapse;
• Develop good goal-setting in each life area;
• Tie everything together;
• Look to the future and post-program interview.

Aftercare: 
NSAP-Moderate graduates are recommended to participate in institutional maintenance, the NSAP Pre-Release Booster Program, and community maintenance (NSAP Maintenance or the Community Maintenance Program), as required.

Results

Offenders in the Intent-to-Treat group were 18% less likely to return to federal custody (including revocations for violation of a condition of release), 26% less likely to recidivate with a new offence, and 46% less likely to recidivate with a new violent offence when compared to the comparison group. Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on NSAP-Moderate yields $2.25 in cost savings.¹⁹.

Accreditation Status

NSAP-Moderate was fully accredited in 2004.

Implementation Status

NSAP-Moderate is available at most CSC institutions across the country, as well as through the English National Probation Services, the Norwegian Royal Ministry of Justice, and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.

Program at a glance

National Substance Abuse Program - Pre-Release Booster

Introduction

As part of the National Substance Abuse Program model, graduates of either the NSAP-High or NSAP-Moderate Program are provided with the Pre-Release Booster Program to assist with their impending release into the community. Release into the community is a particularly high risk time for substance abuse offenders, full of temptations and potential problems. The Pre-Release Booster Program sessions assist offenders become aware of potentially harmful situations in the community, and prepare themselves accordingly. The Program incorporates all of the information and tools from the previous NSAP.

The Booster Program was developed in 2004 by the NSAP development team (Sylvie Blanchet, John Eno and Carmen Long) and Mike Nicholson.

Target Population

The target group for the Pre-Release Booster Program are graduates of the NSAP-High and NSAP-Moderate Programs who are within three months of release into the community.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator. Maximum group size is 10 participants, although the sessions can be delivered individually.

The Program consists of 4 two-hour sessions, usually spanning over a two week period to allow time for the participants to complete key personal homework assignments.

Program Sessions

Session 1:  Goal-Setting for the Community

• Establish goal-setting;
• Identify obstacles in meeting goals;
• Rate self-confidence;
• Develop action plans to achieve goals.

Session 2:  Relapse Prevention Planning

• Review the relapse prevention process;
• Update and develop relapse prevention plans for the community;
• Review self-monitoring;
• Identify benefits of maintenance in the community.

Session 3:  Balanced Lifestyle and Healthy Relationships

• Prepare for the first month of release into the community;
• Explore activities and resources available in the community;
• Build realistic expectations;
• Build relationships upon release;
• Deal with risk situations.

Session 4:  Completing Your Sentence in the Community

• Explore the realities of parole supervision;
• Review and update life area plans.

Aftercare:
Graduates of the NSAP-Pre-Release Booster participate in community maintenance sessions upon release.

Results

The Pre-Release Booster Program will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

The Pre-Release Booster Program was fully accredited in 2004.

Implementation Status

The Pre-Release Booster Program is available in institutions across CSC.

Program at a glance

National Substance Abuse Program - Maintenance

Introduction

As part of the National Substance Abuse Program model, graduates of any NSAP Program (High, Moderate or Low) or AOSAP (Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program) are provided with aftercare in the form of NSAP-Maintenance, or the Community Maintenance Program. The sessions are designed to pick-up where the previous program left off and to assist offenders apply the skills learned in previous programming so that they may monitor and cope with daily life problems and not fall into substance misuse.

Target Population

The target group for the Maintenance Program are graduates of any NSAP (High, Moderate or Low) Program or AOSAP. Offenders are re-evaluated each 90 days and may be re-assigned to maintenance at any time, as required.

Approximately 50% of the CSC population is eligible for substance abuse maintenance.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator. Maximum group size is 10 participants.

Each maintenance session is up to two hours in duration, with the frequency and number of required sessions determined on an individual basis for each offender. Although not structured in the same manner as other core programs, each maintenance session follows a pre-determined format.

Program Sessions

Check-in

• Share self-monitoring examples, any current challenges, coping strategies for risk situations since the last session;
• Provide and receive support and apply program content to their situations.

Structured Component

• Build upon and apply the skills previously taught in order to expand participants' knowledge and skill level to cope with their personal situations;
• Include a personal exercise to be worked on over the coming week and reviewed at the next session;
• Conclude with a wrap-up.

Special Sessions

• Assist newly released offenders with their transition to the community.
• Pick up where the pre-release booster sessions left off to assist each participant stay on track during the critical first weeks of release into the community.

Note: A number of prepared lesson plans are provided to facilitators, but maintenance facilitators are expected to tailor the content according to the needs of the group to address their current concerns and stresses. The delivered content focuses on the application of previously taught key skills and concepts to the participants' real life situations. Maintenance sessions are conducted in the same interactive manner as other National Substance Abuse Programs.

Results

Compared to non-Aboriginal male offenders who were referred to the National Substance Abuse Maintenance Program and did not participate (N = 1,886), those who were exposed to the Program (N = 3,353) were 22% less likely to return to the institution overall (including technical revocations; p<.0001) and 27% less likely to return with a new offence (p<.0001). Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on NSAP-Maintenance yields $4.22 in cost savings²⁰.

Accreditation Status

NSAP-Maintenance was fully accredited in 2004.

Implementation Status

NSAP-Maintenance is available at CSC institutions across Canada. In the community, NSAP-Maintenance is being phased out in order to be replaced by the Community Maintenance Program.

Program at a glance

Women Offender Substance Abuse Program

Introduction

The Women Offender Substance Abuse Program (WOSAP) offers women offenders several levels of intervention from mutual help to intensive treatment at the time they enter the institution until the time of their warrant expiry. This is done through formal programming and, less formally, through the environment or culture in which the women live.

WOSAP was developed between 2000 and 2003 to provide education on and treatment of substance abuse for female offenders. Program development was spearheaded by the Addictions Research Centre and included expert advice from an advisory committee, as well as an implementation committee. The Program content was developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health under contract with CSC ²¹.

Target Population

WOSAP is a Correctional Program designed to address the substance abuse needs of all women offenders.

From a sample of 645 women offender admissions, it was determined that 67.3% (N = 434) met the referral criteria for the Intensive Therapeutic Treatment module of WOSAP²².

Program Format

WOSAP was designed, specifically, to address the needs of women offenders using a holistic approach. There are three program modules:

• Engagement and Education (E&E): 10 one hour sessions, delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator;
• Intensive Therapeutic Treatment (ITT): 40 two hour sessions, delivered by two trained Correctional Program Facilitators;
• Relapse Prevention an20 two hour sessions, including 1 to 2 individual transition sessions, delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator. In the community, the Program may be delivered by trained facilitators from communityagencies.d Maintenance (RPM):

Program Modules

Module 1: Engagement and Education (E&E)

• Increase understanding of the impact of addiction on women;
• Help motivate and prepare women for change.

Module 2: Intensive Therapeutic Treatment (ITT)

• Address life areas impacted by substance abuse (emotions, relationships, spirituality, sexuality, and self);
• Incorporate complementary skill building and skill practice with particular focus on problem-solving, goal-setting and relapse prevention planning.

Module 3: Institutional and Community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance (RPM)

• Review and strengthen Relapse Prevention Plan.

The Program is also available to provincial women on parole, where a standing agreement for shared services between the Correctional Service of Canada and the Province exists.

The Program runs on a 20 week cycle. However, in order for a participant to be deemed successful, she must have completed a detailed Relapse Prevention Plan, be assessed as having made progress towards reaching her goals, be leaving the group for a reason that is assessed as positive (release, warrant expiry), and have completed a minimum of 4 sessions.

Results

WOSAP will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

WOSAP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

• WOSAP was implemented at the five CSC women's institutions and healing lodge in 2003.
• The Community Relapse Prevention/Maintenance Program was implemented at 11 parole offices across the country during the same period.
• Ontario Ministry of Justice (Memorandum of Understanding with CSC)
• Prince Edward Island (Memorandum of Understanding with CSC)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (Exchange of Service Agreement)

Program at a glance

The Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program

Introduction

The Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program (AOSAP) is a high intensity program for Aboriginal offenders designed to reduce the risk for substance abuse relapse. The Program was developed by Rod Jefferies of Ancestral Visions. Three branches of the Correctional Service of Canada are supporting this initiative (the Addictions Research Centre, the Reintegration Programs Division, and Aboriginal Initiatives), with the Addictions Research Centre assuming the lead in program development and research.

AOSAP is holistic in its approach, ensuring that the impact of addictions is examined through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions in a safe and supportive environment. The Program is culturally based and aims to respond to the needs of all Aboriginal men (First Nations, Inuit and Métis).

In keeping with cultural appropriateness, the Program acknowledges "cultures within cultures" and includes ceremonial activities accordingly. Additionally, contemporary best-practice approaches in substance abuse treatment are interwoven throughout the Program, which include such major theoretical influences as cognitive therapy, social learning theory, harm-reduction, stages of change, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention.

Target Population

From a sample of 2,891 Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 43.1% (N = 1,246) met the referral criteria for NSAP-High or AOSAP²³.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by two trained Program Facilitators (Aboriginal Correctional Program Officers). An Aboriginal Elder is also involved in delivering 50% of the program content.

The Program consists of 72 sessions, including 65 class sessions, 4 individual sessions, and 3 ceremonial group sessions. Sessions are approximately 2 hours in duration. The duration of the Program in its entirety is approximately 13 weeks.

Program Modules

Module 1: Foundation of Culture

• Introduce Program, the power of the Circle of Wellness, safety and self-care strategies, and traditional values and goals that are fundamental to Aboriginal cultures and healing;
• Motivate and engage offenders toward a positive change process;
• Increase offenders' motivation towards effecting positive pro-social changes in their current lifestyles.

Module 2: Response to Trauma

• Introduce impact of trauma and how substance abuse was, and still is, a means by which Aboriginal people tried/try to cope withits effects;
• Introduce triggers associated with substance use and other addictions;
• Discuss issues of shame, anger, and lateral violence;
• Reflect on experiences to establish and maintain healthy responses to trauma symptoms;
• Increase knowledge of traditional Aboriginal culture and spirituality through ceremonies and Elder teachings;
• Provide opportunity to gain a greater sense of cultural identity, pride and self-efficacy.  

Module 3: Impacts of Substance Abuse

• Focus on history of substance abuse within Aboriginal communities and its effects and impacts;
• Understand alcohol and other drug abuse and addictions;
• Develop awareness of the existing relationships between substance abuse and life problems;
• Develop awareness of linkages between substance abuse and criminal behaviour.

Module 4: Relapse Prevention

• Present relapse prevention and planning;
• Increase understanding of how to manage risk;
• Provide necessary skills to manage future risk by employing relapse prevention strategies and creating an individualized plan;
• Celebrate and reaffirm program journey and honour successful completion;
• Increase knowledge about alcohol and other drug abuse and its impact on Aboriginal peoples, their families, the community and self;
• Develop and enhance skills to put into practice the Healing Plan.

Aftercare: 
AOSAP graduates are recommended to participate in institutional NSAP-Maintenance or the Community Maintenance Program, as required.

Results

Community outcomes for AOSAP were positive, with participants half as likely to return to custody after release²⁴.

Accreditation Status

AOSAP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

AOSAP is available at CSC institutions across Canada.

Program at a glance

SEX OFFENDER PROGRAMS

The Sex Offender Programs menu contains the National Sex Offender Program-High Intensity, Moderate Intensity, and Low Intensity. CSC also offers the Women's Sex Offender Program, the Tupiq Program for Aboriginal male offenders, and the Inuit Community Maintenance Program. All Sex Offender Programs have as an objective to contribute to the reduction of sexually violent re-offending.

National Sex Offender Program - High Intensity (NaSOP-HI)

Introduction

The National Sex Offender Program - High Intensity (NaSOP-HI) has as an objective to reduce recidivism through the provision of a structured and standardised intervention to sex offenders who demonstrate the highest risk. It was developed by the Reintegration Programs Division in 2007. Program development was overseen by Bruce Malcolm, in combination with significant assistance from the experts who comprised the National High Intensity Sex Offender Working Group (NaSOP-HI Resource Manual, 2007). The Program was developed as the final step in the Reintegration Program Division's strategy to provide the full range of intensities of national sex offender programs. The Program is currently in its pilot phase.

Target Population

NaSOP-HI targets those offenders who are high risk and need. From a sample of 37,571 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 15.3% (N = 5,746) met the referral criteria for a High, Moderate or Low Intensity Sex Offender Program (HI-SOP, MI-SOP or LI-SOP)²⁵.

Program Format

NaSOP-HI was designed to be delivered by two Correctional Program Facilitators.

The duration of NaSOP-HI is approximately seven to eight months. In general, program dosage varies between 420 and 480 hours. Each program session is 2.5 to 3 hours long, for a maximum of 15 group contact hours per week.

The Program also includes a minimum of one individual contact session, with additional sessions made available to offenders as required by their need for assistance in understanding or making the content personally applicable.

Program Modules

Module 1: Self-Management (delivered for the entire duration of the Program)

• Develop a self-management strategy in order to manage risk for future sex offences and/or violence;
• Take content from the Program and identify where it is applicable and how it can assist to avoid recidivism.

Module 2: Cognitive Distortions and Management Strategies

• Develop an awareness of the cognitive processes and distortions that underlie sexual offending behaviour;
• Teach how to challenge harmful beliefs and learn strategies to replace risky thoughts and attitudes with more adaptive ones.

Module 3: Emotion Management

• Understand how emotions can be a trigger;
• Teach alternative skills and strategies to manage the emotions associated with sexual offending.
  

Module 4: Intimacy, Relationships, and Social Functioning

• Develop an awareness of the influence of intimacy deficits and deficits in social functioning on sexual offending;
• Develop skills to address these deficits;
• Teach skills to initiate, maintain, and terminate relationships;
• Give opportunity to enhance communication skills, improve self-efficacy in relationships with adults, learn how to cope with loneliness and jealousy and generate alternatives to sex as a coping strategy.

Module 5: Empathy and Victim Awareness

• Help understand the impact of sexual offences on victim(s) of these crimes;
• Teach how to experience and demonstrate empathy and perspective-taking, both generally and specifically toward the victim(s).

Module 6: Deviant Sexual Fantasy and Arousal

• Teach ways to identify how deviant sexual arousal and/or fantasy are a factor in their sexual offending, where relevant. In the cases where deviant sexual arousal is associated with offending, various arousal control techniques are utilized.

Aftercare:
NaSOP-HI graduates are recommended to participate in NaSOP-Maintenance.

Results

NaSOP-HI is in its pilot phase and has not yet undergone program evaluation.

For other non-national high intensity SO programs, there were no significant results for non-Aboriginal male offenders with non-child victims or child victims²⁶.

Accreditation Status

NaSOP-HI is in its pilot phase and has not yet undergone the process of accreditation.

Implementation Status

The pilot is being conducted at CSC's medium security institutions, as well as at the Regional Treatment Centre in Ontario.

Program at a glance

National Sex Offender Program - Moderate Intensity (NaSOP - MI)

Introduction

In 2002, the Reintegration Programs Division completed the development of the National Sex Offender Program - Moderate Intensity (NaSOP-MI). The Program was implemented in 2003. Program development was undertaken by Pamela Yates, in conjunction with a national team and significant assistance from the experts who comprised the National Sex Offender Working Group (NaSOP Volume IV(R), 2007). The NaSOP-MI has as an objective to reduce recidivism through the provision of a structured and standardized intervention to sex offenders who demonstrate moderate risk for sexual re-offense.

Target Population

NaSOP-MI targets sex offenders whose combination of risk and need place them at moderate risk to re-offend sexually.

From a sample of 37,571 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 15.3% (N = 5,746) met the referral criteria for a High, Moderate or Low Intensity Sex Offender Program (HI-SOP, MI-SOP or LI-SOP)²⁷.

Program Format

NaSOP-MI is delivered by two Correctional Program Facilitators.

The duration of NaSOP-MI is approximately four to five months, providing a dosage of 200 to 224 hours of total program time. Each week, the facilitators provide group contact of between 10 to 14 hours. The Program also includes a minimum of one individual contact session, with additional sessions made available to offenders as required by their need for assistance in understanding or making the content personally applicable.

Program Modules

Module 1: Self-Management (delivered for the entire duration of the program)

• Develop a self-management strategy in order to manage risk for future sex offences and/or violence;
• Take content from the Program and identify where it is applicable and how it can assist to avoid recidivism.

Module 2: Cognitive Distortions and Management Strategies

• Develop an awareness of the cognitive processes and distortions that underlie sexual offending behaviour;
• Teach how to challenge harmful beliefs and learn strategies to replace risky thoughts and attitudes with more adaptive ones.

Module 3: Emotion Management

• Understand how emotions can be a trigger;
• Teach alternative skills and strategies to manage the emotions associated with sexual offending.

Module 4: Intimacy, Relationships, and Social Functioning

• Develop an awareness of the influence of intimacy deficits and deficits in social functioning on sexual offending;
• Develop skills to address these deficits;
• Teach skills to initiate, maintain, and terminate relationships;
• Give opportunity to enhance communication skills, improve self-efficacy in relationships with adults, learn how to cope with loneliness and jealousy and generate alternatives to sex as a coping strategy.

Module 5: Empathy and Victim Awareness

• Help understand the impact of sexual offences on the victim(s) of these crimes;
• Teach how to experience and demonstrate empathy and perspective-taking, both generally and specifically toward the victim(s).

Module 6: Deviant Sexual Fantasy and Arousal

• Teach ways to identify how deviant sexual arousal and/or fantasy are a factor in their sexual offending, where relevant. In the cases where deviant sexual arousal is associated with offending, various arousal control techniques are utilized.

Aftercare:
NaSOP-MI graduates are recommended to participate in NaSOP-Maintenance.

Results²⁸

Non-Aboriginal Male Offenders with Non-child Victims:

• Results in this category were not statistically significant. New evaluations show that the Program significantly reduced the likelihood of re-admission, but not new offenses, including ones of a sexual nature.

Non-Aboriginal Male Offenders with Child Victims:

• Offender participation in NaSOP showed no significant reductions in re-offending or re-admissions (in the latest version).

Cost effective analyses reveal that every dollar spent on NaSOP-MI yields $3.41 in cost savings.²⁹.

Accreditation Status

NaSOP-MI was accredited by an international panel of experts in 2002.

Implementation Status

NaSOP-MI is available at CSC institutions across Canada.

Program at a glance

National Sex Offender Program - Low Intensity (NaSOP-LO)

Introduction

In 2002, the Reintegration Programs Division completed development of the National Sex Offender Program - Low Intensity (NaSOP-LI). The Program was implemented in 2003. Program development was undertaken by Pamela Yates, in conjunction with a national team and significant assistance from the experts who comprised the National Sex Offender Working Group (NaSOP, Volume IV(R), 2007). The NaSOP-LI has as an objective to reduce recidivism through the provision of a structured and standardized intervention to sex offenders who demonstrate low risk/need.

Target Population

NaSOP-LI targets sex offenders who have been assessed as low risk to re-offend sexually.

From a sample of 37,571 non-Aboriginal male offender admissions, it was determined that 15.3% (N = 5,746) met the referral criteria for a High, Moderate or Low Intensity Sex Offender Program (HI-SOP, MI-SOP or LI-SOP)³⁰.

Program Format

NaSOP-LI was designed to be delivered by one Correctional Program Facilitator.

The Program is approximately two to four months in length, totaling between 40 hours and 48 hours of program time. The Program is generally delivered at a ratio of 3 to 5 hours per week. Programs that are shorter in duration (i.e., 2 months) should have the maximum number of contact hours per week (5). Programs that are longer in duration (i.e., 4 months) should have the minimum number of contact hours per week (3). The Program also includes a minimum of one individual contact session and additional sessions as required.

NaSOP-LI is presented in three modules, each of which focuses on specific aspects of self-management.

Program Modules

Module 1: Introduction

• Introduce general and specific program activities and provide concepts of risk management and specific risk factors;
• Review offence and summarize goals for treatment;
• Overview of the Program and opportunity for discussion of the intervention and offenders' expectations.

Module 2: Analysis

• Analyze sexual offending behaviour;
• Explore social history as it relates to sexual offending and form basis of the behavioural progression/offence analysis;
• Identify personal factors leading to sexual offending as well as strategies to manage and reduce the risk.

Module 3: Self-Management

• Develop and evaluate self-management and/or community release plan, where applicable;
• Learn specific and individualized coping and self-management strategies.

Aftercare:
NaSOP-LI graduates are recommended to participate in NaSOP-Maintenance.

Results³¹

Non-Aboriginal Male Offenders with Non-child Victims:

• Offenders in the ITT group were 86% less likely to return with a re-admission with a new offence (p < .01), but no significant impact was noted for reductions in general and violent re-offending if the p < .1.

Non-Aboriginal Male Offenders with Child Victims:

• Offenders in the ITT group were 71% less likely to return with a re-admission than the comparison group (p < .01). The Program did not provide significant reductions in rates of violent re-offending, including sexual violence ³².

Accreditation Status

NaSOP-LI was accredited by an international panel of experts in 2002.

Implementation Status

NaSOP-LI is available at CSC institutions and district offices across Canada.

Program at a glance

Women's Sex Offender Program

Introduction

Women who sexually offend comprise a very small (0.3%) but visible population of federally sentenced sex offenders. The population of women convicted of sexual offences in CSC consists generally of 12 to 15 women at any one time.

A "Protocol for the Assessment and Treatment of Women Who Sexually Offend" was implemented in 2001 to ensure consistency in the assessment and treatment of this small group of women. The intervention begins with a specialized assessment at the time of admission, is ongoing, and includes maintenance in the institution and community. Both short- and long-term evaluations are carried out. In the absence of an empirically based static and dynamic assessment tool, evaluation is based solely on responsivity to treatment.

The current Women's Sex Offender Program was adapted from the men's sex offender programs by Dr. Sharon Williams in 2001. Prior to 2001, CSC did not offer sex offender specific programming to women offenders. CSC is currently developing a gender-specific program for this group of offenders.

Factors that influence offences of women who sexually offend may include past victimization and/or relationships with intimate partners.

Target Population

The Program targets women who have been convicted of a sexual offence, and/or have been convicted of a non-sexual offence that had sexual motivation (i.e., a murder that included sexual assault, or common assault that was plea bargained from sexual assault), and/or admitted for a sexual offence for which they have not been convicted. Prostitution related offences are not considered sexual offences for the purpose of this protocol.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by a psychologist either in an institutional or a community setting.

The Program includes 69 one to two hour sessions. Program duration is dependent on responsivity issues, as well as whether the sessions are delivered in a group or individually. This intervention has rarely been delivered in a group setting because of the low numbers of women involved. Women identified as sex offenders are few in number and are geographically dispersed across the country.

The primary goals of treatment for women who sexually offend are to learn to identify the factors that influenced their offences and how to deal more effectively with them in order to both reduce offending and increase their probability of leading more satisfying, pro-social lives. The current intervention includes five sex offender specific modules.

Program Modules

Module 1: Self-Management

• Develop an understanding of how sexual offences occur and how to manage behaviour so that the risk of re-offending in the future is reduced
• Teach the application and integration of adaptive skills that may be used to evaluate situations;
• Successfully manage cognitions, emotions and behaviour and, consequently, risking doing further harm to someone;
• Develop an awareness and understanding of the dynamics and motivations of sexual offending behaviour.

Module 2: Deviant Arousal

• Increase arousal to appropriate sexual stimuli and decrease arousal to deviant or inappropriate stimuli;
• Identify relationship between deviant arousal/fantasy and sexual offending;
• Develop treatment plan that includes specific strategies for helping the offender control arousal and fantasy;
• Incorporate these factors into the offence analysis and relapse prevention plans.

Module 3: Cognitive Distortions

• Develop an understanding of how cognitive elements (self-talk, automatic thoughts, attitudes, values, beliefs and cognitive distortions) influence feelings and behaviour;
• Begin challenging cognitive distortions that support sexual offending;
• Identify the influence of thoughts, attitudes, values and beliefs on behavioural progression;
• Incorporate methods of monitoring, challenging and modifying influences in the relapse prevention plans.

Module 4: Intimacy, Relationships and Social Functioning

• Develop an understanding of intimacy and relationship patterns that may contribute to relationship dissatisfaction and sexual offending;
• Gain an understanding of healthy and unhealthy patterns;
• Learn strategies to cope with jealousy, rejection and loneliness;
• Develop the skills necessary to maintain healthy relationships.

Module 5: Empathy and Victim Awareness

• Enhance ability to perceive, understand and feel empathy for people, in general, and for their own victim(s);
• Incorporate self-talk strategies that will facilitate the emergence of feelings of empathy as part of the relapse prevention plan.

Aftercare:
Women's Sex Offender Program graduates are recommended to complete the maintenance sessions included in the Program's curriculum.

Results

A gender-specific program is being developed and will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

The Women's Sex Offender Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

The Women's Sex Offender Program is available at CSC's women's institutions and community sites across Canada, as well as through the Ontario Ministry of Justice, which has a Memorandum of Understanding with CSC.

Program at a glance

Tupiq Program

Introduction

The Tupiq Program is an Inuit specific Aboriginal Sex Offender Program. It works towards reducing the line of thinking and behaviours associated with sexual abuse. Moreover, the Program is focused on the offender's need to overcome denial and minimization and to accept responsibility for his criminal behaviour.

The Tupiq Program was developed by Ellen Hamilton under contract to CSC in January 2000 and was subsequently revised in March of 2006. The Tupiq Program was implemented in demonstration mode following development in 2000.

Inuit culture and Inuktitut are incorporated into each component of the Program. The Program is bilingual, delivered in both Inuktitut and English in order to meet the linguistic needs of Inuit offenders. The Inuit community is reflected in the program content, through the Community Links component, which connects the offender to a counsellor in his community, and through the Inuit Healing component, which represents an Inuit-specific therapeutic approach.

Target Population

The Tupiq Program is a high intensity Aboriginal Correctional Program that provides culturally relevant and linguistically sensitive intervention to federal Inuit sexual offenders at moderate to moderate-high risk to re-offend.

Program Format

The Tupiq Program is delivered by two trained and certified Inuit Correctional Program Facilitators and one Clinical Supervisor (a contracted psychologist specialized in sex offender treatment). The Program is Elder assisted.

The Program lasts 18 weeks and is composed of 129 sessions. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in duration.

Program Modules

Module 1: Self-Management

• Develop personal autobiography;
• Disclose offences;
• Develop victim empathy;
• Identify offence patterns;
• Develop relapse prevention plan.

Module 2: Individual Counselling

• Mandatory bi-weekly individual counselling with a program facilitator who assists with Self-Management assignments;
• Conducted in language of choice under the direction of the Clinical Director.

Module 3: Skills

• Explore cultural values;
• Identify goals;
• Learn problem-solving;
• Learn dynamics and prevention of abuses;
• Learn emotion management;
• Identify risk factors;
• Apply relapse prevention plan.

Module 4: Community Links

• Connect offender to a counsellor from his home community;
• Assist offender in integrating program content to the realities of Inuit community life and provide information on community resources;
• Give a program bank of community resources and contact information.

Module 5: Inuit Healing

• Provide essential motivational enhancement to participants.

Module 6: Program Groups

• Supplement program content and bring together all components;
• Include the initial group orientation meetings, two feasts hosted by the Inuit Healer, an Inuit Healing Sunrise Ceremony, an Inuit Cultural Values Workshop delivered to non-Tupiq staff and inmates, an Abuse Project presentation, 6 sessions in which offender-participants present their individual Relapse Prevention Plans and the graduation ceremony.

Module 7: Individual Offender Assessment

• 6 structured individual assessment sessions at the pre-, mid- and post- stages;
• Breaks between poles provide opportunities for feedback and assessment and relieve cognitive overload.

Aftercare:
Offenders who complete the Tupiq Program can participate in the Inuit Community Maintenance Program.

Results

A preliminary report titled "The Tupiq Program for Inuit Sexual Offenders - A Preliminary Investigation" (2004 No R-153) was completed in 2004.

A formal Evaluation Report by the Performance Assurance sector will be completed in the future.

Accreditation Status

The Tupiq Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

The Tupiq Program is only available at Fenbrook Institution.

Program at a glance

COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS

In order to ensure that CSC meets the needs of offenders released into the community, it offers community-based Correctional Programs, including the Community Maintenance Program, the Community Relapse Prevention/Maintenance Program for Women, and the Aboriginal Women Maintenance Program.

Community Maintenance Program

Introduction

The Community Maintenance Program was developed by the Reintegration Programs Division in 2000 by Reyhan Yazar and Brandy Mae (Community Maintenance Program Manual, 2000). The Program was revised in 2008 (Yazar & Carson, v.2).

The Community Maintenance Program (CMP) was developed to meet the need for offenders to have greater community program availability and access, regardless of release destination. Moreover, it was designed to provide a feasible substitute for the wide assortment of program-specific maintenance and booster programs in the community. The objective of the Community Maintenance Program is to provide aftercare to any offender who has completed either a National Correctional Program or an Aboriginal National Correctional Program, with the priority being the highest risk offenders. The strength of the CMP is that it allows the offenders to integrate the skills they developed in all their Correctional Programs into one self-management plan.

Target Population

The Community Maintenance Program is for those offenders who have completed a Correctional Program and who would benefit from ongoing structured support to enhance their application of skills, as determined by risk and need.

Program Format

CMP is designed to be provided by one facilitator to a group of no more than 10 offenders. The model allows for facilitators to be Correctional Program Officers, Parole Officers or employees of one of the Correctional Service of Canada's community partners.

The Community Maintenance Program is composed of two-hour group sessions. There are six structured skill review and applied self-management sessions. The offenders participate in CMP at a frequency contingent upon their risk and need. The structured skill sessions address the basic components of the feeder Correctional Programs, that is, emotion management, problem-solving, high risk thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, goal-setting and self-management skills.

Results

CMP showed significant impact in reducing the re-admissions and re-offending of non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal offenders who participated in the Program. Non-Aboriginal offenders were 29% less likely to be re-admitted, 40% less likely to return to custody for a new offence, and 56% less likely to be re-admitted for a new violent offence ³³.

Accreditation Status

The Community Maintenance Program is not a Correctional Program, but the aftercare for Correctional Programs and thus does not require formal accreditation. However, the CMP was presented to the International Accreditation Panel in 2005 and was endorsed by them as meeting the requirements as an appropriate and effective follow-up.

Implementation Status

The CMP is available at CSC community sites only.

Program at a glance

Community Relapse Prevention/Maintenance Program for Women

Introduction

The Community Relapse Prevention/Maintenance Program for Women is designed for all women offenders as they continue to make and maintain changes in their lives. Based on a broad application of relapse prevention theory, the content supports the premise that the principles and process of behavioural change are consistent across behaviours. During this module, women will review and strengthen their relapse prevention plans.

The development of Community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance was spearheaded by the Addictions Research Centre and developed by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health under contract with CSC. It is a component of the continuum of care for women offenders and was designed along with the other components of the Women Offender Substance Abuse Program.

Target Population

This Program is offered to women recently released and to women in the community who have been identified as presenting with an increased risk. The Program is also available to provincial women on parole where a standing agreement for shared services between the Correctional Service of Canada and the Province exists.

Program Format

The Program is delivered by one trained Correctional Program Facilitator³⁴ in an institutional or community setting.

The Program includes 20 sessions (2 hours per session) and can be started in the institution and then continued in the community upon release. There are also 1 to 2 individual transition sessions. Ideally, these should be completed in the weeks immediately prior to release. Where sufficient time is not available, transition sessions may be incorporated into the initial community interview. These sessions help to prepare the women to leave the institution and provide special attention to community supports, goals, and relapse prevention plans.

The Program is based primarily on relapse prevention principles and gives the women an opportunity to develop/revise and implement an individualized relapse prevention plan. Helping women to build their confidence in areas of potential risk is essential to a woman's recovery process. In group format, women are encouraged to learn from each other's experiences, knowledge and skills.

The Program is run on a 20 week cycle. However, in order for a participant to be deemed successful she must: have completed a detailed Relapse Prevention Plan; be assessed as having made progress towards reaching her goals; be leaving the group for a reason that is assessed as positive (release, warrant expiry); and have completed a minimum of 4 sessions.

Results

The Program is currently under evaluation by the Addictions Research Centre. Research from a recent assessment of the Women Offender Substance Abuse Program shows that women who participate in Women Offenders Substance Abuse Programming and who successfully complete community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance are less likely to return to custody within a 12-month follow-up period. Those women who do not complete Community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance, or drop-out of the program, are at significantly greater risk of returning to custody.

Accreditation Status

The Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

• Available at CSC institutions and community sites
• Ontario Ministry of Justice (Memorandum of Understanding with CSC)
• Prince Edward Island (Memorandum of Understanding with CSC)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (Exchange of Service Agreement)

Program at a glance

Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program

Introduction

The primary purpose of the Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program is to provide women who have completed the New Spirit of a Warrior Program an opportunity to maintain the skills, knowledge and cultural/spiritual connection created in the Program. There will be participants in the Program who have not taken the New Spirit of a Warrior Program, however, this should not significantly inhibit their ability to understand and benefit from the Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program curriculum.

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program was developed by the Native Counselling Services of Alberta under contract with the Correctional Service of Canada during 2006 and 2007. Implementation began in 2007 and is ongoing.

The overall goal of the Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program is to assist participants to prepare for, build, and enhance their ability to live a balanced and violence/crime-free life outside of correctional facilities, thereby reducing the possibility of recidivism of participants.

The specific program objectives are to:

• Engage participants in a safe and supportive environment;
• Generate understanding of past incidence and present behaviour;
• Assist participants to maintain and implement a Healing Plan;
• Assist participants to access required community resources;
• Assist participants to reintegrate and remain in the community.

Target Population

All women in the institution who need support to maintain gains or women on release who need support to succeed at this stage of their sentence.

Program Format

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program is delivered by one trained Aboriginal Correctional Program Facilitator³⁵ in an institutional or community setting. The Program is also Elder-assisted.

The Program includes 21 sessions (2 hours per session) and can be started in the institution and then continued in the community upon release.

The Program is designed to be delivered once per week all year long. The Program is, therefore, designed for continuous intake, with participants entering and exiting the Program at different sessions. In the institution, the women may complete as many sessions and cycles as they require prior to release. In the community, the women may also complete as many sessions and cycles as they need.

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program includes the following sessions:

• The Healing Plan; Vision for the Future; Goal-Setting; Effective Communication; Problem-Solving; Emotion Management; Stress Management; Self Identity
• Being Aboriginal Woman; Origin of Violence in Aboriginal Communities; Identifying Core Beliefs; Review Beliefs About Anger and Violence; The Truth About Gangs; Healthy Relationships
• Its Start with Me; Mediation Circle; Self-Management and the Healing Plan; Rebounding from Addictions; Withdrawals and Cravings; Relapse Prevention Solutions; Creating Safety; Peer Pressure; Community.

In order for a participant to be deemed successful she must: have completed a detailed Healing Plan; be assessed as having made progress towards reaching her goals; be leaving the group for a reason that is assessed as positive (release, warrant expiry); and have completed a minimum of 4 structured sessions.

Sessions can be postponed but they cannot be cancelled. All sessions must be delivered even though the 21 week-cycle may be extended by 5 weeks because of ceremony or postponement of content delivery for an extended Sharing Circle.

Results

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

The Aboriginal Women's Maintenance Program is available at CSC institutions and district offices across Canada.

Program at a glance

Inuit Community Maintenance Program

Introduction

The Inuit Community Maintenance Program (ICMP) addresses the maintenance needs of Inuit offenders with sexual offending and spousal violence profiles. The Program is holistic and addresses a number of skills directly connected to the offending patterns of the majority of Inuit federal offenders. The Program provides support in the development and maintenance of individual self-management plans and responds to the immediate risk issues, concerns and challenges facing participants on a daily basis. The program is made flexible to the needs of the participants and clinical supervision can be added if required.

Target Population

The ICMP targets Inuit offenders with sexual offending and spousal violence profiles.

Program Format

It is designed on an open-group and continuous intake format containing 12 group sessions per cycle. Each session is 2-3 hours long. The Program is delivered in either Inuktitut or English. The sessions alternate between unscripted self-management planning and scripted skills development. All program content is based on Inuit culture, language and community realities. It incorporates Inuit Gaumajuqtangit (Inuit knowledge and values). The Program is flexible and adaptable to individual needs and practical delivery logistics.

The Program objectives are to:

• Respond to the practical realities of coping in the community;
• Reinforce skills, thinking and behaviour developed in the Tupiq Program and other sex offender and family violence programs;
• Develop and refine self-management plan.

Results

ICMP will be evaluated in the future.

Accreditation Status

ICMP will be submitted for accreditation in the future.

Implementation Status

ICMP is offered at some CSC institutions.

Program at a glance