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Interim Policy Bulletin 710

From: Correctional Service Canada

Policy numbers and titles:

Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 710-2 – Transfer of Inmates

Guidelines (GL) 710-2-1 – CCRA Section 81: Transfers

GL 710-2-3 – Inmate Transfer Processes

GL 710-2-4 – Movement Within Clustered/Multi‑Level Institutions

CD 784 – Victim Engagement

Why were these policies changed?

These policies are amended in accordance with the Ministerial Direction to the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) aimed at strengthening information sharing with victims in the context of the transfer of offenders. Specifically, the amendments impact consultations between Case Management Teams and Victim Services Units as well as the integration of victim considerations for supported voluntary transfers. These modifications are effective immediately and will be formally incorporated into the policies currently under review.

Interim Policy Bulletin

Number: 710

In Effect: 2024-03-11

Related links:

Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 710-2 – Transfer of Inmates

Guidelines (GL) 710-2-1 – CCRA Section 81: Transfers

GL 710-2-3 – Inmate Transfer Processes

GL 710-2-4 – Movement Within Clustered/Multi‑Level Institutions

CD 784 – Victim Engagement

What has changed?

CD 710-2 - Transfer of Inmates

Paragraph 19 is amended to include new direction (underlined) to read as follows:

19.  The decision maker will ensure that the rationale provided in all decision reports is clearly detailed, documents that victim considerations were taken into account (if applicable), addresses any rebuttal submissions and is justified pursuant to section 27 of the CCRA, and CD 701 – Information Sharing.

GL 710-2-1 – CCRA Section 81: Transfers

The following new paragraph adds direction under the Regular Transfers from CSC Institutions to Section 81 Healing Lodges section (after paragraph 12):

In cases where a transfer request is being considered for support and there is an active "Victim Notification Required" flag, the Parole Officer/Primary Worker will request victim information from the Victim Services Unit in accordance with CD 784 – Victim Engagement, for the purpose of case preparation; take victim considerations into account; and complete the Assessment for Decision within 30 days of receipt of the inmate’s request.

The following new paragraph adds direction under the Voluntary Return of Offenders section (after paragraph 29):

Where there is an active "Victim Notification Required" flag, the Victim Services Unit will be advised of the inmate’s return to CSC custody, in accordance with CD 784 – Victim Engagement.

GL 710-2-3 – Inmate Transfer Processes

Paragraph 22 is amended with new direction in subparagraph e. to read as follows:

e.  in cases where a transfer request is being considered for support and there is an active "Victim Notification Required" flag, request victim information from the Victim Services Unit in accordance with CD 784 – Victim Engagement, for the purpose of case preparation, as well as take victim considerations into account.

Paragraph 24 is amended with new direction in subparagraph g. to read as follows:

g.  victim concerns, if applicable.

Paragraph 57 is amended with new direction in subparagraph e., to read as follows:

e.  in cases where a transfer request is being considered for support and there is an active "Victim Notification Required" flag, request victim information from the Victim Services Unit in accordance with CD 784 – Victim Engagement, for the purpose of case preparation, as well as take victim considerations into account.

GL 710-2-4 – Movement Within Clustered/Multi-Level Institutions

The following new paragraph adds direction under the Responsibilities section (after paragraph 2):

In cases where a transfer request is being considered for support and there is an active "Victim Notification Required" flag, the Parole Officer/Primary Worker will request victim information from the Regional Victim Services Unit in accordance with CD 784 – Victim Engagement, for the purpose of case preparation, as well as take victim considerations into account.

Paragraph 24 includes new direction under subparagraph e., to read as follows:

e.  victim concerns, if applicable.

CD 784 – Victim Engagement

Paragraph 8 is modified (changes underlined) to read as follows:

8.  Parole Officer/Correctional Officer II/Primary Worker will:

a.  notify the Victim Services Unit when voluntary transfer requests are being considered for support or when beginning case preparation for CSC/PBC-authority release decisions in accordance with Annex C and request to obtain victim information as well as any victim statements pursuant to subsections 133(3.1), 133(7) and 134.1(5) of the CCRA, as applicable

d.  take victim considerations into account in release planning and recommendations for decision, as well as when voluntary transfer requests are being considered for support

Subparagraph g. is new and reads as follows:

g.  participate in case conferences with the Victim Services Unit when required by related case management policy or deemed necessary in specific cases.

Paragraph 10 is modified (changes underlined) to read as follows:

10.  The Victim Services Officer will:

d.  invite and encourage registered victims to provide information and/or a victim statement for consideration in case preparation for pre- and post-release decisions as well as when voluntary transfer requests are being considered for support

Subparagraph o. is new and reads as follows:

o.  participate in case conferences when deemed necessary in advance of relevant types of case management decisions and when voluntary transfer requests are being considered for support, and share victim comments and concerns with operational units with regard to:

i.  specific offender locations (proximity to where the offence occurred, to the victim’s residence or place of work, or to members of the victim’s family)

ii.  the security level of the institution at which the offender serves the sentence

iii.  the potential transfer of the offender to a facility in the province where the victim lives and works.

How were they developed?

The changes were developed by the Communications and Engagement Sector in collaboration with the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, the Strategic Policy Division, and national, regional and site-level staff.

Accountabilities?

Accountabilities from the policy changes are held by the Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Engagement; the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs; and the Regional Deputy Commissioners.

Who will be affected by the policies?

All staff involved in the transfer of inmates and victim engagement.

Other impacts?

N/A

Contact:

Strategic Policy Division
Policy-Politiques.GEN-NHQ@csc-scc.gc.ca

 

Commissioner,
Anne Kelly

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