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Research Plan

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2009-2010 Research Plan - Distribution

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Research Plan provides an overview of projects to be undertaken by the Research Branch during fiscal year 2009-10.

Research projects are undertaken by the six divisions of the Research Branch (Operational Research, Programming Research, Addictions Research Centre, Women Offender Research, Special Projects, and Statistics). Key projects in 2009-10 include:

  • Program development and program research projects include the Moderate intensity Aboriginal Offenders Substance Abuse Program (AOSAP), the National Substance Abuse Program and Methadone Maintenance Program research.
  • Assessment and classification projects to meet the needs of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders include further development of the revised Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis (DFIA-R), the National Inmate Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviours Survey, Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse and the Aboriginal Women’s Maintenance Program.
  • Security research, both within institutions and in the community, includes Organized Crime and Gangs studies, Women’s Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Pilot Evaluation, Drug Interdiction research and Evaluation of Management Protocol for Women Offenders.
  • Mental health needs of offenders are being addressed through research on the Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (ComHiss), a major study on self-harm behaviours, Profile of Mental Health Needs of Women, Review of Anxiety Disorders, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research.
  • Other key areas relevant to the Changing Offender Profile include Forecasting and Profile of Young, Impulsive and Violent Offenders.

Please Note: Projects may be delayed or discontinued, and project plans may be modified during the year as a result of changing priorities, operational issues, and methodological considerations.

I. Introduction

Context

The Research Plan for 2009-10 was developed to meet the operational and management needs of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), while remaining within the resources allocated to the Research Branch.

The mandate of research is to be forward looking, developing tools and approaches that will address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This requires looking at what has been done in the past and what is being done by others, so we can identify potential solutions. These solutions can then be tested through data analysis and simulation, or through pilot projects that see the new ideas implemented in a controlled or small environment.

The Research Branch also provides analyses that impact the development of priorities, address the immediate data analysis needs of the Service, and contribute to the development of submissions to cabinet through the provision of information and advice. As such, our work is responsive to the broader government agenda. Government policy should not direct the results of research, but it may influence the topics of research as we address emerging issues of importance. The Branch must strive to balance its role as an innovator with its need to respond to current government and departmental initiatives.

The five priorities of the Correctional Service, listed below, are a key influence on the development of the Research Plan:

  1. Safe transition of eligible offenders into the community
  2. Safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions
  3. Enhanced capacities to provide effective interventions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders
  4. Improved capacities to address mental health needs of offenders
  5. Strengthening management practices:
    1. Respond to the Public Service Employee Survey 2005
    2. Promote values and ethics
    3. Improve internal communications
    4. Strengthening human resources management

Approach

A review of government-wide priorities was undertaken to ensure that research initiatives are aligned with broader government plans and priorities. Documents reviewed for this activity included for example the Speech from the Throne, the Clerk’s Priorities, Canada’s Performance, Public Safety Report on Plans and Priorities, and Budget documents.

In addition, an extensive review of departmental reports was also completed to ensure that the Research Plan reflects key areas of need and strategic concern to the Service. Documents reviewed for this activity included, for example, CSC’s 2007-08 Report on Plans and Priorities, the Departmental Performance Report, the Management Accountability Framework assessment results, the Strategic Plan for HR Management, the Corporate Risk Profile, the Evaluation Plan, as well as several key sector reports such as the Mental Health Strategy, the Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Corrections, etc. Other key documents reviewed included the annual reports of the Office of the Correctional Investigator and the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

During the fall and early winter the Research Branch reviewed ongoing research, proposals for new research and consulted with partners to determine the research projects that would be of greatest interest in fiscal year 2009-10. Based on these discussions, a preliminary research plan was developed and circulated to all sectors and regions for comment. Regions and sectors were asked to rate each of the proposed projects on a priority scale and to provide any additional projects that they felt were needed. The suggestions and comments were taken into account while developing the final Research Plan.

Approval

The Research Plan was approved by the Executive Committee (EXCOM).

Co-ordination with the Evaluation Branch

The Research Plan is also discussed with colleagues in the Evaluation Branch to ensure a coordinated approach. The Research Branch and the Evaluation Branch circulated a call for input to their plans in a single letter to EXCOM members. The purpose of this approach was to reduce the burden of responding to two requests and to provide the Evaluation and Research Branches with the opportunity to review all recommended projects in light of their different responsibilities.

External Research

In addition to the research projects presented in the plan, the Research Branch has reviewed requests for research by external researchers. Future Research Plans will include a list of these projects.

II The Research Branch

The primary role of the Research Branch is to conduct an applied program of research that advances effective and efficient corrections towards the goals of crime prevention and public protection. The work of the Research Branch is guided internally by the priorities of the Correctional Service (noted previously) and advice received by internal and external stakeholders.

Structure

The Research Branch has six divisions:

1. Operational Research (OR)

This division is responsible for research related to operational issues from intake assessment to correctional planning and case management, to the release process and the transition of offenders into the community. In the coming year the Operational Research division will continue work on the revised Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis (DFIA) instrument, the Security Reclassification Scale validation study, the extension project for parole waiver and on organized crime and gang research, as well as will focus on the ICPA surveys and community research such as the IPPI literature review and the unlawfully at large study.

2. Programming Research (PR)

The Programming Research division is responsible for research on treatment programs. During the fiscal year 2009-10 the Programming Research Division will focus on conducting a pilot for the Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (ComHiss), reviewing anxiety disorder in offenders, conducting an assessment and need analysis for offenders with mental health disorders, correctional adjustment and management of mental health disorders, treatment responsivity in violent offenders, static factors in violent recidivism, profile of life sentenced offenders, community adjustment of mental disordered offenders.

3. Addictions Research Centre (ARC)

This division is responsible for program development and research in the area of substance abuse. The work of the centre covers four broad areas: program development, program research, assessment and measurement, and knowledge exchange. Current initiatives include the Aboriginal Offenders Substance Abuse Program (AOSAP), Women Offenders Substance Abuse Programs (WOSAP), Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA), National Substance Abuse Programs (NSAP), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Drug Interdiction and methadone maintenance.

4. Women Offender Research (WO)

During the fiscal year 2009-10 the Women Offender division will focus its research on risk assessment, successful community transition, security classification, effective correctional interventions for women, and developing a profile of women offenders mental health needs.

5. Special Projects (SP)

The Special Projects Division will continue its work on the National Inmate Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviours Survey. In addition, it will look at other sources of data that can inform practices in health services.

6. Statistics (S)

The statistics division provides analyses of population trends in corrections and criminal justice to determine impact on the Service. During this year the division will focus on population forecasts and profiling. Projects for this division are identified as the responsibility of the Director of Special Projects while we seek to replace the Senior Statistician.

Multi-year Projects

Research and program development activities often require many years of work. Sometimes this is the result of projects that require complex development and consultation activities that may take one or two years, and sometimes it results from the need to wait sufficient time for data to be accumulated for the measurement of outcome. In addition, projects that are recommended may not be accommodated in the year covered by this research plan, but can be accommodated in future years.

III Project List

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: SAFE TRANSITION TO COMMUNITY

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SAFETY AND SECURITY IN INSTITUTIONS

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: ABORIGINAL OFFENDERS

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: MENTAL HEALTH

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 5: STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES


IV. Project Descriptions

The following project descriptions are organized to correspond to CSC’s five strategic priorities.

 

1. Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis - Revised and its Role within the Offender Intake Assessment Process

Follow up on the research completed in 2008-2009, which includes interviews of institutional parole staff. These will occur approximately six months after the implementation of the DFIA-R in Sept. 2009.

This research will examine staff perception about the implementation of the DFIA-R, including training.

RB Section: Operational Research

 

2. Initial Custody Classification for Women

The project is managed by the Women Offender’s Sector. The Research Branch provides consultation on research related issues. The tool is currently being piloted in view of eventual field-testing, assessment of results, improvements, and implementation.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

3. Women’s Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Pilot Evaluation

Pilots of the WVPP began in Feb 2008. Data collection (in-program) is being completed throughout pilot periods. The research will include post-release outcome data, which requires waiting for women to be released and adequate time for follow-up. This research will contribute to our understanding of the effectiveness of WVPP and provide information pertinent in program management.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

4. Evaluation of the Management Protocol for Women Offenders

Management Protocol has been implemented as a risk management tool for difficult or disruptive women. Qualitative examination will be used to determine the ways in which this policy works well and the areas where refinement may be beneficial.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

5. Successful Integration of Women Offenders: Therapeutic Alliance

Current programs developed specifically for women are grounded in Miller’s women-centered relational cultural theory (RCT) of psychological development. This study will investigate the extent to which therapeutic relationships between primary workers (and other CSC staff) and women offenders are characterized by healthy connections as defined by RCT. Additionally, the study will also seek to identify culturally-responsive strategies for enhancing therapeutic relationships between primary workers / staff and Aboriginal women. It is expected that the results will enhance program outcomes which in turn will expedite safe transition into the community.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

6. Understanding Treatment Receptivity Factors in Violent Offenders

The successful completion of correctional programs is related to a reduction in recidivism. Little research has been conducted on factors that contribute to offenders’ receptivity to treatment. This project will identify what factors are related to treatment receptivity among violent offenders and assist in developing improved intervention strategies.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

7. Static Factor in Violent Recidivism

This instrument will provide CSC with the opportunity to look at potential factors that could be used in the actuarial prediction of non-sexual violence. The instrument is to be compared to other indicators of non-sexual violence (VRAG, STATIC-99, STATIC-2002, STATIC-2007).

RB Section: Programming Research

 

8. Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming (WOSAP): Pre-Post Analysis

Analysis of the program pre- and post-program assessment scores will be completed to evaluate the gains made in knowledge, attitudes, coping and problem-solving skills as a result of participating in the program. This will supplement the assessment evaluation already completed in 2005.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre (ARC)

 

9. Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming (WOSAP): Development of an Assessment Package for the Revised Version

WOSAP is currently undergoing revisions in response to the CSC transformation agenda. The new program will respond to the criminogenic needs of women offenders in addition to substance abuse. Addictions Research Centre is developing an assessment package which will serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the program by evaluating changes in knowledge, attitudes, coping and problem-solving skills as a result of participation in the program.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

10. National Substance Abuse Programs Outcomes Research for the High, Moderate and Low Intensities

Between 70% to 80% of Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) general offender population and over 90% of its Aboriginal offender population has an identified substance abuse problem requiring intervention. Ensuring that these offenders receive the most effective treatment is a major challenge that is best addressed through the application of assessments that are shown to be reliable, accurate, and useful for client-treatment matching and correctional planning. Aim. The main objective of the study is to determine the treatment impact of the National Substance Abuse Programs (High, Moderate & Low intensities) on offender recidivism and relapse to substance use. In addition, institutional adjustment indicators will be examined. Measurements. A series of multivariate models will examine the impact of NSAP to mitigate the risk of revocation and relapse to substance abuse over a maximum of 24 months of follow-up into the community, after adjusting for the effects of institutional and offender characteristics.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

11. Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Project 1 -Impact of Methadone Maintenance Treatment on Offender Behaviour

A Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMTP) centralized database system, designed for the ongoing collection, management and analysis of MMTP participant information is in place and has been accumulating information since 2004. The focus in 2008-09 was on improving the data quality and the resulting improvements have allowed for a broader, more complete database to exist. Two reports will be generated from this project, one examining pre to post MMT initiation institutional outcomes such as incidents, urinalysis results, program participation, and transfers (to higher or lower security), and the other examining post-release outcomes such as readmission, new offence and new violent offence. Characteristics related to outcomes may also be examined using logistic regression and/or Cox regression.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

12. Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Project 2 - Community Follow-Up of Offenders Participating in CSC’s MMT Program

The project builds upon previous work by examining post-release behaviour in the community among individuals who had participated in MMT programming while incarcerated. Outcome measures would include continued participation in MMT in the community, contacts with health-care facilities in the community, employment and education, etc. This study would commence with a determination of feasibility by building on existing work in the Toronto Parole Office, and potentially expanding to additional sites, such as Vancouver and/or Montreal.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

13. Security Reclassification Scale (SRS) Validation Study

Research for 2009-2010 follows up on the literature review completed. Year 2 produced a analysis of the tool. The follow up in 2009-2010 may include information from stakeholders and a brief report of the implications of these findings for the Service.

RB Section: Operational Research

 

14. Development of Research Framework Examining the Efficacy of the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM)

A research framework is required to assess the efficacy of the Integrated Correctional Program Model (the details of which are still emerging). What is known about ICPM is that it is a coordinated and enhanced delivery strategy that includes three distinct correctional programs or streams - 1) A holistic and integrated program that addresses criminogenic needs targeting violence and substance abuse; 2) An integrated Aboriginal offender correctional program; and 3) an integrated sex offender program for various groups of sex offenders. The model was developed as a means to overcome the current challenges and barriers to offender access to appropriate Correctional Programs.

The key objectives for ICPM are to: a) increase Correctional Program access, b) increase correctional program availability, c) maximize correctional program delivery, d) increase rates of correctional program participation and completion; and e) reduce rates of general and violent re-offending for offenders who participate in one of the Correctional Programs.

Accordingly, the overall goal of the research framework will be to clarify the ICPM objectives by distinguishing between program delivery objectives and outcome objectives and by establishing linkages between research questions, objectives and indicators using quantitative research methods.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

15. Assessment of Women Offender Programs:

  • Assessment of Spirit Of a Warrior
  • Social Integration Program for Women
  • Women's Modular Intervention Program
  • Parenting Workgroup Program
This research program will assess a variety of women offender program’s including: the Spirit of a Warrior Program, the Social Integration Program for Women, the Women’s Modular Intervention Program, and the Parenting Workgroup Program. These are all relatively new programs requiring on-going assessment of program impacts and outcomes. On-going consultation and data collection will permit eventual outcome assessments, thereby permitting the Service to hold empirically based evidence regarding program effectiveness.

RB Sections: Women Offender Research

 

16. Needs Assessment - Sex Offenders

The project is in response to a request by the developers of ICPM.

The aim is to explore the perspective that offenders with an identified paraphilia(s) present unique challenges for treatment and have unique program needs (i.e., need a unique program response), relative to other sex offenders. The initial phase of the project will involve investigating the possibility of producing aggregate statistics across the following five areas: overall prevalence; involvement in programming; institutional adjustment issues; patterns of release; and post-release behaviour using key indicators (i.e., suspension, revocation, arrest, reconviction).

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

17. Needs Assessment Intra-Familial Violence Offenders

The project is in response to a request by the developers of ICPM.

Explore the perspective that offenders whose violence is uniquely aimed at family members present unique challenges for treatment and have unique program needs (i.e., need a unique program response), relative to other offenders.

Potential analyses to include: overall prevalence; involvement in programming; institutional adjustment issues; patterns of release; post-release behaviour using key indicators (i.e., suspension, revocation, arrest, reconviction).

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

18. Analysis of Program Postponements and Waivers

The project is in response to a request by the developers of ICPM.

Explore patterns of program postponement and waivers specifically in relation to offenders’ participation in correctional programs. Comparisons may include examining rates of postponement and waiver for offenders who participate and/or complete correctional programs as well as potential interactions with risk and severity of criminogenic risk (e.g., severity of substance abuse, etc.).

The analysis will be limited to simple descriptives and measures of association.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

19. Review of Efficacy of Arousal Reconditioning with CSC Sex Offender Population

The project is in response to a request by the developers of ICPM.

The project will involve a literature review of the effects of arousal re-conditioning on sex offenders who have inappropriate sexual preferences and/or interests. The project will in all likelihood include a review of best-practices literature in sex offender treatment. If available, CSC research will also be included.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

20. Female Sexual Offenders

This is a collaborative undertaking with researchers from Kent University of the United Kingdom (UK). Existing methodology utilized by researchers in the UK will be implemented with Canadian Female Sex Offenders. This research will provide a gender-specific descriptive model of the offence process for female sex offenders incorporating cognitive, behavioral, affective, and contextual factors. It will contribute empirically based evidence for program planning and application.

RB Sections: Women Offender Research

 

21. Literature Review for the Integrated Police/Parole Initiative (IPPI)

The Integrated Police/Parole initiative (IPPI) is an enhanced partnership between police and parole agents in order improve collaboration and communication and strengthen community supervision, particularly concerning high-risk offenders. As recommended within an evaluation of the IPPI initiative, conducted in 2007, a literature review will be undertaken by a hired contractor to acquire a better knowledge of police-corrections partnerships in other jurisdictions, and to determine any best-practices or lessons learned that might be applicable to the IPPI.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

22. Analysis of Offender Who Go Unlawfully at Large

This exploratory study examines the prevalence and characteristics of offenders who are unlawfully at large from their statutory release.

The product of this research will be a brief report.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

23. Analysis of Offenders Who Commit New Violent Offences Upon Release

This exploratory study examines the prevalence and characteristics of offenders who commit violent offences upon release from custody.

The product of this research will be a brief report.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

24. Preliminary Assessment of Program Delivery at Reception Centres

The research will look at how some sites have introduced program delivery at reception and how this impacts outcomes.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

25. Finding Their Way: How Women Re-Adapt to Life After Prison

Research demonstrates that substance abuse is a central risk factor for return to custody among women offenders. CSC implemented Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming (WOSAP) in 2003 to combat the problem of addiction among women offenders. A quantitative report underscored the importance of institutional treatment programs for those with moderate to severe additions as well as the positive impact of community-based aftercare in ensuing that women remain in the community. What is missing is an elaboration of what specific conditions help a woman lead a successful and productive life in the community. This qualitative piece of research will explore meanings of ‘success’ through the personal experiences and perceptions of women offenders using qualitative interviews. Structured interviews will provide additional information on timing before entry into community treatment, socio-demographic information, incarceration and treatment history, access to medical services, health conditions, housing and religiosity. We will also explore the perceptions of community treatment facilitators on what constitutes and contributes to success among female offenders and how they see/define their role in this process.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

26. Community Research

The research will focus on community-based health initiatives, including the examination of gaps in treatment, and may include addictions (e.g., methadone programs) and special inmate populations (e.g. sexual offenders). The focus of this research will be further defined in consultation with the Community Operations and Programs Sector. This initiative is expected to last two years, with the first year devoted to identification of the key issues and the second year for more specific investigation and analyses.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SAFETY AND SECURITY IN INSTITUTIONS

 

27. Gangs and Organized Crime

Continuation and extension of research conducted in FY 2008-2009, including a descriptive analysis comparing gang affiliation identification methods and identification of additional information available within CSC data systems.

Several profiles of offenders will be conducted throughout the year, including women gang members and organized crime members (e.g., outlaw motorcycle gang members).

Survey of U.S Correctional Agencies regarding gang management strategies.

Comparison of the OIA/SIO gang classification and implications for the development of a revised assessment instrument.

Partnerships for research are currently being examined with the Community Initiatives Branch and the National Crime Prevention Centre in terms of gang prevention strategies.

Development of a research strategy to integrate available gang information.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

28. National Inmate Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviours Survey: Sociodemographics, Incarceration History, and Recent Community Behaviours Associated With Sex and Drug Use in Prison (Any Drug Use and Injection Drug Use), and Risk-Behaviours Associated with HIV And HCV Testing

This project intended to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviours that can result in blood borne and sexually transmitted infections both before and after admission to CSC. As well as, examine factors that could reduce risk including inmate awareness, utilization of and barriers to health education/promotion and harm reduction program offered by health services. Two reports are to be published in FY 2009-10.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

29. Development of Dynamic Risk Assessment Tool for Women

The objective is to develop a gender-informed tool used to predict risk of re-offending upon release to community. The tool will be used to manage risk by informing NPB and PO decision-making, thereby impacting community safety. Its dynamic nature will ensure that the tool is representative of changes in women’s risk profiles. Assessment protocol will be cross-validated in view of determining if field-testing and eventual implementation is viable.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

30. Effective Correctional Interventions for Women Offenders

This project will involve coding correctional programs for women according to ‘gender neutral’ criteria set out in the Correctional Program Assessment Inventory (CPAI) and according to criteria for ‘Gender-responsive’ programs (Covington and Bloom). A follow-up analysis will determine which criteria are most relevant to successful outcomes for women. Examination to be conducted separately for Aboriginal women.

RB Sections: Women Offender Research

 

31. Appropriateness of SRSW for Short Review Periods

This research is an examination which will indicate whether SRSW continues to be valid for reviews of short periods (e.g., three months). It will assist in determining if the SRSW can be appropriately employed, for example, three months after being classified as maximum security.

RB Sections: Women Offender Research

 

32. Profile of Young, Impulsive and Violent Offenders

The changing offender population includes an increased number of younger offenders who show signs of impulsiveness and aggressivity. The purpose of this project is to help better understand their characteristics and develop approaches for new interventions that will meet their specific needs.

RB Sections: Operational Research

 

33. Analysis of Offender Grievances

Correctional Service Canada is responsible for providing offenders with expeditious access to a fair and effective redress mechanism. One aspect of offender redress is the grievance process. To assist CSC in monitoring and responding to offender grievances, historical grievance data will be examined for patterns and trends that would inform operational issues. In order to identify factors that may be driving trends in offender grievances, predictors and correlates of offender grievances will be examined at the institutional, and offender level using information extracted from the Offender Management System. Identified trends will be verified and expanded through file review.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

34. Drug Interdiction: Project 1. Integrating Drug Information to Assess the Impact of Drug Interdiction Practices

Promoting safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions is a priority for the CSC. One method to reduce the risk to the safety and security of staff and offenders is drug interdiction practices. The current project will include: (1) identification, verification and improvement of available drug-related data, (2) development of baseline data, (3) identification of inter-relationships between data sources through statistical modeling, including institutional climate and recidivism. Many other drug interdiction projects identified during consultations with staff are dependent upon this initial work.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

35. Drug Interdiction: Project 3. Development of a Dissemination Strategy/Training Tool Regarding the Identification of Drugs and Their Physical and Behavioural Effects

A document to assist staff in identifying drugs and the effects of drugs on individuals was identified as a need by staff during consultation. This project will develop a tool for use by primarily institutional staff with possibility for training.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

36. Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse for Women

A gender specific computerized assessment is required to be consistent with what is available for men. The development of assessment items has been completed and software is currently being written. The new system will be tested in 2009-10 at selected pilot sites.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

37. Casa - Examining Offender Characteristics Based on the Results from the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse

The Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA) is an automated, bilingual assessment instrument that identifies treatment needs for offenders with a substance abuse problem. The CASA also provides a wealth of information with respect to offenders’ substance use patterns, treatment history, injection drug use, use during incarceration, etc. Aim. The data derived from the CASA will allow for continual updates of information describing the characteristics of CSC’s offender population in terms of their substance abuse problems. Ongoing research with the CASA will facilitate the dissemination of knowledge to stakeholders at the national, regional and site levels.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

38. Drug Offender Project: Collaboration with Department of Justice

The government of Canada has made serious drug offending a priority. In general, serious drug offenders receive more lengthy sentences than less serious offenders; this is demonstrated in the federal offender population. Deterrence is a principle of sentencing that is often used to support stricter sentencing structures, such as Mandatory Minimum Sentences (MMSs). No Canadian research exists that examines knowledge of sanctions or the factors related to deterrence. This project aims at filling that gap with respect to serious drug offenders. Furthermore, this project will provide a general profile of offenders currently in federal institutions in Ontario for a drug offence as their most serious offence. A sub-profile of women offenders will also be examined.

This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Justice and consists of two phases: 1) a survey of offenders currently incarcerated in Ontario for a drug offence as their ‘most serious offence’ (MSO); 2) A follow-up semi-structured interview with women offenders. Current status: data has been collected and we are in the final stages of analysis and reporting writing.

RB Sections: Women Offender Research

 

39. Data Analysis Using CSC’s Infectious Diseases Surveillance System (Prospective Cohort Study on Risk-Behaviours and Infectious Diseases in Canadian Federal Inmates)

Presently, each inmate is screened on admission using the “Intake Health Status Assessment Infectious Disease Screening” form (CSC/SCC 1244-IDE 2008-01). This process captures information on: infectious disease testing and results prior to admission; key risk-behaviours prior to admission; tests recommended for infectious diseases on admission and whether the inmate consents to the tests; results of the tests the inmate consents to (recorded on form 2000-02e); and any health education provided and planned. Hence, CSC’s infectious diseases surveillance system offers data to inform policies and programming.

Analysis will investigate:

  1. The risk-behaviour profile of offenders on admission to CSC
  2. The level of agreement between self-reported infection status and CSC’s biological testing on admission
  3. Risk-behaviour profiles comparing inmates who consent to testing and those who do not

RB Section: Special Projects

 

40. Multilevel Analysis of Infectious Disease Survey and Inmate Risk Behaviours

With the National Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviours Survey and using multilevel modelling, we propose to examine the relationships among institution-level variables (such as size, location, proportion of inmates receiving medication for HIV or HCV), inmate-level variables (such as social support, engaging in past risk-behaviours) and inmate-level outcomes (such as in-prison risk-behaviours associated with injection drug use and sex). There are three project modules:

  1. the development of a database that adds institutional level characteristics (mostly derived from OMS) to each infectious diseases’ survey record;
  2. the examination of the impact of institutional characteristics on individual level outcomes while accounting for various characteristics and behaviours at the individual level; and,
  3. once important institutional characteristics are isolated in phase two, this project would focus on the estimation of institutional thresholds linked with negative outcomes at the inmate-level. For example, if it is estimated that 51% of inmates at an institution are or have used injection drugs what percentage of the population would we expect is HCV positive.

This research would provide a better understanding of how institutional environments impact risk-behaviours and thus could inform policies aimed at decreasing risk-behaviour through institutional level changes.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

41. Geospatial Visualization and Analysis

Correctional Service Canada facilities and operations span the country. Offenders enter, reside, and leave these locations on an ongoing basis, under various conditions, and for varying periods of time. In planning and resource allocation exercises it is often important to gain, in a timely fashion, a sense of the relative distribution of offenders, their status, and their needs current and future. To this end, we will be developing maps that will convey forecasting and changing offender population information spatially, by location and indicating change over time. In addition to visualization, spatial attributes will also be used in aid of finding spatial patterns in existing offender data that may inform CSC or partner agencies of high need or high risk areas. For example, mapping hotspots in prisoner re-entry by types of offenders would be a useful tool for law enforcement and also parole decision making.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

42. Framework for Developing an Offender Population Profiling and Simulation Model

With the assistance of an external consultant, the requirements for an offender population profiling and simulation model will be developed. These requirements will be developed based on existing variables held by CSC (in the Offender Management System), and environmental variables that may have an impact on CSC’s population in the medium- term (such as community demographics, or the length of time offenders stay in remand) that will be compiled in coordination with external partners such as Statistics Canada.

This goal of this system would be to provide more accurate and detailed medium term (one- to five- year) quarterly forecasts of the size and key characteristics of offender populations and flows within its major institutional and community supervision programs. This will allow the organization to anticipate these changes and put in motion timely operational, policy, and financial initiatives. Further, the system will allow not only for anticipating likely scenarios, but also allow for the manipulation of these variables to simulate “what if” scenarios. For example, if statutory release were removed, what impact would this have on the correctional prison, and community population over the next five years?

The first deliverable in this initiative would be a framework identifying the data management, and analysis requirements for CSC Research Branch as well as internal knowledge requirements (for example, knowledge of key external criminal justice and demographic variables).

Subsequent phases will be developed based on the feasibility of the framework.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

43.Review of Issues Around Stress for Correctional Staff

Review of issues surrounding job-related stress for correctional staff. In addition to a review of the literature, including best practices to reduce stress, data from the Public Service Employees Surveys are used (including 2008 data) and results from prior CSC surveys (e.g., 1996 employee stress).

RB Section: Operational Research

 

44. Profile of Life Sentenced Offenders to Respond to the Evaluation of Life Line

To develop a profile of the characteristics of prisoners sentenced to terms of life imprisonment. In addition, the investigators will develop a typology of offenders in order to better meet their programmatic needs (e.g., Lifeline program), and to ensure the safe operation of facilities.

RB Section: Operational Research

 

45. Prescription Drug Use and Diversion in Prison

Use and abuse of prescription drugs among the offender population was identified during consultations with staff as an emerging and growing issue. This project will investigate the degree to which prescription drug use and abuse is an issue among the federal offenders population, the ways in which abuse occurs and the methods used and ability to detect prescription drugs within the correctional setting. This project will begin with a literature review, followed by an examination and analysis of existing databases, such as assessment, search and seizure, urinalysis and potentially regional pharmacy data, to explore the issue of prescription drug use and abuse.

RB Sections: Addictions Research Centre

 

46. Use of Force

This research involves a stratified randomized sample of Use of Force reports from the past 5 years (i.e., 2003-2008). Research will result in descriptive data on Use of Force incidents with an emphasis on self-harm. This initiative will contribute to future frameworks pertaining to research in this area.

RB Sections: Programming Research

 

47. Use of Force Review - Health

At the request of Health Services, we are in the process of providing a descriptive review of over 200 Use of Force files managed by Health Services. This review examines levels of compliance with established guidelines.

RB Sections: Programming Research

 

48. Research Assessment of Technological Interventions in Corrections

A review of innovations in technology in the field of corrections, including; (1) Operational efficiency and effectiveness, and (2) Operational safety. The review will include information about the effectiveness of these applications of technology, including information about testing and evaluations (where available).

RB Section: Operational Research

 

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: ABORIGINAL OFFENDERS

 

49. Aboriginal Women’s Maintenance Program Pilot Research Framework

Aboriginal Women’s Maintenance Program is currently being piloted. Pilot research will support evidence-based practice in the area while at the same time contributing to program development, implementation, and management.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

50. AOSAP Research & Development: Project 2 - Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity

The Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity (AOSAP-M) is currently in demonstration. The short-term objectives of the correctional intervention will be assessed to determine impact on rates of institutional misconducts, including rates of positive urinalysis results.

Poisson regression modeling (i.e., misconducts and positive urinalysis data will be treated as count data) will be employed to investigate the effects of AOSAP-M on institutional outcomes, while adjusting for the effects of other predictors.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

51. Determining Needs of Inuit Offenders

This project is in the planning stages and has been initiated by the Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Directorate in association with the Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate. Driven by the transformation team, the Research Branch has been asked to conduct research into the needs of Inuit Offenders. Initial dialogue has produced themes such as:

  1. what cultural and spiritual needs exist among Inuit in general;
  2. how might these needs be addressed by CSC or other corrections jurisdictions; and,
  3. how do we take variations of these needs resulting from differing background, traditions and experiences, into account”?

Further consultation with Territory heads shall develop the scope of the research further but initial suggestions are to conduct focus groups both with incarcerated offenders and community members as a means of obtaining qualitative data.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: MENTAL HEALTH

 

52. Profile of the Mental Health Needs of Women Offenders

Profile of mental health diagnoses, medications, extent of medication compliance, psychological / psychiatric services available, and programs available to address mental health needs for women. This research is an update of a 1996 research report (DIS national study).

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

53. DBT Quantative Research on Women Offenders in Secure Units

Research on DBT for women is being extended to include an assessment of the approach within the Secure Units. It will include quantitative analysis of in-program and outcome data. These analyses will help inform the Service on the effectiveness of DBT with female offenders classified as maximum security.

RB Section: Women Offender Research

 

54. Review of Anxiety Disorders in Offenders

Anxiety disorders have been associated with increased depression, substance abuse, delinquency and other mental health disorders. Examining the prevalence of anxiety disorders on our offender population is crucial in addition to identify the impact of anxiety on delinquent behaviour to address mental health needs of our offenders within CSC and provide a safe community re-integration.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

55. Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (COMHISS)

A computer-based assessment of mental health needs and status will be administered at intake. This national system was installed at all reception institutions and is designed to deliver an automated mental health status screen for all male offenders admitted to federal custody. Inmates that screened positive for mental health concerns were to be referred automatically to appropriate institutional services. Ongoing support is required to verify the integrity of the data collection process, establish the reliability and validity of the assessment procedures and support implementation.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

56. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Screening and Estimating Incidence in an Adult Correctional Population

FASD is a lifelong disability affecting individuals whose mothers drank while they were pregnant. Symptoms of this disability include an inability to predict consequences of actions, difficulty with reasoning and abstract thinking, poor memory, general intellectual deficits, and a lack of awareness and recognition of social cues and norms. These types of deficits arise from brain damage caused to cells and structures of the brain prior to birth.  Individuals cannot recover brain function but they can learn to adapt to their environments and settings in healthy ways through constant guidance and adherence to structure and routines. Unfortunately, many individuals with FASD are not diagnosed in childhood and therefore the underlying medical condition associated with problem behaviours goes unidentified.

The characteristics associated with FASD may put individuals in conflict with the law. It has long been suspected that there are a high proportion of individuals with FASD in the correctional system; however this has not been demonstrated empirically. This research has set out to identify the prevalence of FASD among Canadian federal offenders and to develop a screening tool to flag offenders at risk for FASD upon intake into the correctional system. The work in Abbotsford will assist to validate the screening and diagnostic assessment process.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

57. FASD Screening and Estimating Incidence at the Labrador Correctional Centre

In Labrador, there is a high proportion of Innu and Inuit offenders in the Labrador Correctional Centre (LCC). A need was identified by the LCC to institute a screening protocol for FASD among their offender population, and the ARC was contacted to collaborate and provide research advice and expertise, and to share the screening tool that was being piloted in Winnipeg at Stony Mountain Institution. The project follows the model developed by the ARC for Stony Mountain. The research project is being funded by the NL Department of Justice.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

58. Development of a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Screening Tool for Women Offenders

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a disorder that can result in a lifetime of challenges for individuals, in particular making them vulnerable to becoming involved with crime as juveniles and adults. The behavioural characteristics associated with FASD for women may not be similar to those associated with men, therefore a systematic review of the literature is required to determine if a separate tool is needed for women.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

59. FASD - Substance Abuse Treatment Program Assessment

The Regional Treatment Centre in Abbotsford, BC has developed a local substance abuse treatment program targeted toward offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The Research Branch will undertake an assessment of the program effectiveness.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

60. Prevalence Assessment, Needs Analysis and Monitoring of Offenders with Mental Health Disorders

This program of research seeks to develop a comprehensive identification and assessment of offenders’ mental health disorders, needs identification and analysis, and the development of a tracking mechanism to prospectively follow identified offenders throughout their current incarceration and release to the community. This comprehensive approach will include a variety of collateral information including additional demographic factors, criminal, mental health, self-harm histories, and pre-incarceration performance and community adjustment.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

61. Community Adjustment of Mentally-Disorder Offenders

This initiative examines the adjustment of mentally disorders offenders’ adjustment to living in the community following release from incarceration. Descriptive analyses will include release type, return to custody, and related variables.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

62. Privacy Impact Assessment for Data Sharing with Health Custodians

A contractor will be hired to conduct a privacy impact assessment for a proposal to develop data sharing agreements with provincially-based health custodians such as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario. Such data sharing agreements will offer the opportunity to understand health needs and health service utilization of offenders while they are living in the community.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

63. Treatment Approaches for Concurrent Disorders (Mental Health And Substance Abuse) in Correctional Settings - Literature Review and Proposed Follow-up Research

The Service requires up-to-date information on the most current, theoretically-rigorous and evidence-based interventions for offenders with both mental health and substance abuse problems. This study will be undertaken in collaboration with the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (Simon Fraser University).

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

64. Feasibility of Integrating Computerized Assessment Systems for Substance Abuse, FASD and Mental Health

Presently, offender substance abuse and mental health statuses are assessed, separately, using the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA), the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Brief Screen Checklist (BSC) and the Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (COMHISS). This study will integrate the three systems both conceptually and electronically to facilitate and ease the administration of these systems at operational sites and to facilitate the accurate and timely identification of offenders’ substance abuse and mental health needs.

RB Section: Addictions Research Centre

 

65. Correctional Adjustment and Management of Offenders with Mental Health Disorders - Tracking Offenders through the System

This study will compare a cohort of offenders with identified mental health disorders with a matched comparison group of offenders with similar criminal histories. Prospective analyses will focus on examining a variety of institutional adjustment and management factors such as incidents and charges, program participation, engagement in programs, program completion, time in segregation, transfer history, security reclassification and movement between levels, likelihood of parole application and successful release decision.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

66. Self-Harm - Analysis of Self-Harm in Men’s and Women’s Institutions

This research will expand on the current knowledge of self-injurious behaviour among men and women offenders. It will consider the nature, prevalence, and incidence of self-injurious behaviour while at the same time providing information pertaining to the nature of, impetus of, and pathways to, self-injurious behaviour. Finally, this research will examine the feasibility of an empirically derived self-injurious behaviour classification system for federally sentenced men and women. The objective is to provide empirically based information in view of improving mental health initiatives and outcomes.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

67. Treatment Strategies for Low-Functioning Offenders

The project will review what is currently being done to provide services to low-functioning offenders and what options are available to improve services to these offenders. Low-functioning offenders may not be appropriate for standard program activities and may require alternative treatment strategies.

RB Section: Programming Research

 

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 5: STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

 

68. Extending Research Branch NCAOP Forecasting Methodology

National Capital Operations and Accommodation Plan (NCAOP) short-term offender population forecasts are prepared on an ongoing basis. In an effort to potentially improve forecast estimates further the process, multiple forecasting techniques including ARIMA, GARCH, and Gibbs Sampler will be compared. The project includes the development of population simulation model that will permit predictions based on changes to laws, policy and demographics.

RB Section: Special Projects

 

69. Development of a Knowledge Mobilization Unit (KMU)

This unit will ensure that the knowledge and information produced by the research branch is made available in useable form to all parts of the service and to our external stakeholders. The first year of the project will focus on implementing various initiatives included in the KM Plan regarding (1) Publications (2) Websites (Internet & Infonet) and (3) Knowledge Outreach. The following years will be focussed on maintaining the proper functioning of the unit for efficient knowledge dissemination.

RB Section: Research Branch

 

70. International Corrections and Prisons Associations (ICPA) Survey of Senior Correctional Administrators to Identify Current Priority Issues

An exercise in environmental scanning to identify current priority issues from a sample of the world’s senior correctional administrators. In addition to identifying the key issues and trends in these nations, the respondents were asked to develop a list of the barriers or roadblocks to achieving these goals. This study will inform current management practices and enable the Service to better understand emerging trends.

RB Section: Operational Research

 

71. Research in Support of Transformation

In light of the priorities identified in the CSC Transformation Agenda, funding will be made available by the Research branch for various projects supporting transformation. These projects will be ad hoc and will be approved based on the need for research results. In the majority of cases this work will be in support of regional initiatives to demonstrate the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions, or changes in operations.

RB Section: Operational Research

 

Date Modified: 2012-12-18

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