Policy Bulletin 727
Number: 727
In Effect: 2025-05-26
To facilitate reading in French, the masculine form is used without prejudice to gender, given the binary nature of the French language.
Policy number and title
Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 710-8: Private Family Visits
Why the policy was changed
The above-noted policy document was reviewed as part of the cyclical review process. Amendments have been made to include policy direction resulting from a review by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, as well as to update and clarify existing definitions and direction.
What changed
Amendments were made throughout the policy to ensure that it includes gender neutral language, to clarify policy direction for completing Casework Records in the Offender Management System, and to identify timeframes for decision-making.
The following outlines the sections where major changes were made.
Purpose
The purpose of the CD has been updated to highlight the benefits of private family visits.
Approval Process
A timeframe is now specified for the review of the Threat Risk Assessment by the Correctional Manager and decision-maker.
Safety Measures
The Casework Record type to be used in the Offender Management System is now specified.
Refusal or Suspension of a Private Family Visit
The timeframe for the inmate and visitor to submit representations following the refusal or suspension of a private family visit has been increased.
Annex A
Updated the definitions for “close personal relationship”, “family violence”, and “immediate family”.
How it was developed
This policy document was reviewed and modified by the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, in consultation with the Strategic Policy Division, inmates, and both internal and external stakeholders.
Who is affected by the policy
All inmates participating in private family visits and the staff members involved in the related processes.
Contact
Strategic Policy Division
Policy-Politiques.GEN-NHQ@csc-scc.gc.ca