Policy Bulletin

Policy Bulletin 128

What is new/changed?

Commissioner's Directive 253, Employee Assistance Program now includes responsibility regarding Critical Incident Stress Management. Further direction is contained in the Guidelines on Employee Assistance Program and the Guidelines on Critical Incident Stress Management.

Why was the policy changed?

The policy was changed to clearly reflect CSC commitment to have in place, for all employees, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program, consisting of initial assistance and referral to community resources for visitors, and assistance to offenders through chaplains and institutional psychologists.

What is the purpose of the change?

To ensure that the Service's policy in regards to EAP and CISM is communicated to staff in a manner consistent with the new policy framework.

How was it developed?

The policy owner revised the existing CD and developed the Guidelines in consultation with management, unions, internal resources (EAP coordinators and psychologists trained in CISM), external resources, persons working in the field, and the NHQ Policy Division.

Accountability?

The Commissioner's Directive and Guidelines clearly outline all EAP and CISM related accountabilities.

Who will be affected by the policy?

CSC staff, the offenders and visitors are affected by the policy.

Expected cost?

No additional resources.

Other impacts?

The work descriptions of the EAP Regional Coordinators have been prepared. Efforts have been made not only to strengthen EAP Regional Coordinator positions with respect to their administrative and coordinating EAP responsibilities, but also regarding CISM. These changes are also intended to better support the involvement of mental health professionals appropriately trained in CISM, particularly regarding the clinical aspects of the provision of services.

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.