Policy Bulletin 726

Number: 726

In Effect: 2025-06-09

To facilitate reading in French, the masculine form is used without prejudice to gender, given the binary nature of the French language.

Commissioner’s Directive 711: Structured Intervention Units

Guidelines 711-1: Transfer of Inmates to a Structured Intervention Unit

Guidelines 711-2: Management of Structured Intervention Unit Inmates and Inmates Subject to Restricted Movement

Guidelines 711-3: Transfer of Inmates Out of a Structured Intervention Unit

Guidelines 711-4: Correctional Interventions and Services in Structured Intervention Units

Guidelines 711-5: Health Services in Structured Intervention Units

Guidelines 711-6: Referrals to and Information Sharing with Independent External Decision Makers

Why the policies were changed

The Structured Intervention Unit (SIU) policy suite has been updated and restructured to reflect the changes since its implementation, meet operational needs and clarify accountabilities, direction, and timelines involved in SIU and restricted movement procedures and decisions.

What changed

The Commissioner’s Directive (CD) and Guidelines (GLs) have been refined to reflect the responsibilities related to the transfer to and out of an SIU, the management of inmates in an SIU or subject to restricted movement, the provision of health care in SIUs, and the delivery of programs and services for SIU inmates.

Policy direction within the previous SIU policy suite has been separated into six new GLs and four SIU Procedures Manuals for ease of access, to clarify and enhance responsibilities, and provide clear direction on SIU procedures. 

CD 711: Structured Intervention Units

CD 711 has been streamlined to identify national, regional and site level responsibilities for SIU oversight, processes to ensure an SIU transfer is the least restrictive measure, and considerations in SIU decisions.

GL 711-1: Transfer of Inmates to a Structured Intervention Unit

GL 711-1 have been amended and renamed to identify responsibilities related to the SIU transfer process for SIU and non-SIU sites. The SIU transfer procedures have also been removed and are now found in SIU Procedures Manuals specific to men’s SIU sites, men’s non‑SIU sites and women offender institutions.

GL 711-2: Management of Structured Intervention Unit Inmates and Inmates Subject to Restricted Movement

GL 711-2 have been amended and renamed to identify responsibilities related to the management of SIU inmates and inmates subject to restricted movement to ensure inmates in an SIU or subject to restricted movement are provided with their daily entitlements. Additionally, this policy introduces the SIU-to-SIU transfer process. GL 711-2 previously identified SIU transfer responsibilities and procedures for non-SIU sites.

GL 711-3: Transfer of Inmates Out of a Structured Intervention Unit

GL 711-3 were developed to identify staff responsibilities related to the transfer of an inmate out of an SIU. Additionally, this policy introduces responsibilities related to the Structured Intervention Unit Case Conference process.

GL 711-4: Correctional Interventions and Services in Structured Intervention Units

GL 711-4 have been developed to identify staff responsibilities for the management and delivery of correctional interventions and services in SIUs. The purpose of the GL is to ensure SIU inmates receive appropriate programming, interventions and services that support the inmate’s return to a mainstream inmate population at the earliest possible opportunity and maintain continuity with the objectives of the inmate’s Correctional Plan. Additionally, this policy introduces the responsibility of the Behavioural Skills Coach role in men’s institutions. 

GL 711-5: Health Services in Structured Intervention Units

GL 711-5 were developed to provide direction to staff and contractors on the responsibilities related to the provision of health services to inmates in an SIU or while subject to restricted movement at non-SIU sites.

GL 711-6: Referrals to and Information Sharing with Independent External Decision Makers

GL 711-6 were developed to identify CSC responsibilities for referring cases for an Independent External Decision Maker (IEDM) review and referral and information sharing timeframes. This policy also introduces the Structured Assessment for IEDM reviews, which sites can use in certain cases to provide IEDMs with a detailed overview of an inmate’s SIU transfer.

How they were developed

The CD and GLs were developed by the SIU Operations Team in collaboration with the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, the Health Services Sector and the Strategic Policy Division.

Who is affected by the policies

All staff and contractors involved in the transfer, engagement, program delivery, reviews, and referrals to IEDMs for inmates in SIUs or subject to restricted movement.

Accountabilities

Responsibilities are detailed in the policy documents.

Other impacts

SIU Procedures Manuals have been created to expand on the responsibilities found in CD 711 and the associated GLs and provide procedural guidance and supporting information to CSC staff and contractors about the procedures related to SIUs.

Contact

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

Related links

• Commissioner's directive 711: Structured Intervention Units