Video—Correctional Service Canada is not ensuring the planned and gradual re-entry of offenders into the community

Video Transcript

In our audit of Correctional Service Canada, we focused on how the Correctional Service prepares non‑aboriginal male offenders for safe re-entry into the community. We found that offenders are serving more of their sentences in custody and spending less time under supervision in the community.

In 2013-2014, about 1,500 offenders were released directly into the community from medium or maximum security penitentiaries without the full benefit of a planned and gradual re-entry into society. The Correctional Service’s studies show that offenders released on day or full parole had lower rates of reoffending before their sentence expired than those released at their statutory date.

Eighty percent of offenders were incarcerated beyond the time they first became eligible for parole, even though many were considered to be at low risk of reoffending.

We also found that in many cases, offenders were not receiving correctional and rehabilitation programs prior to becoming eligible for release. Many offenders were not assigned to these programs while in custody, despite having histories of criminal associations or substance abuse.