Corrective Measures and Management Action Plan

CSC acknowledges that the homicide of a close relation has been shown to be a suicide risk factor for offenders. Research also shows that assessing suicide risk through an approach that is based on the accumulation of risk factors does not successfully predict suicide risk. As such, CSC has taken a new approach to assessing suicide risk and intervening accordingly.

CSC has developed a Clinical Framework for Identification, Management, and Intervention for Individuals with Suicide and Self-Injury Vulnerabilities, which considers suicide risk factors, including the homicide of a close relation.

This Clinical Framework conceives of suicide as a dynamic process on a continuum, and that understanding the differences between suicide-related thoughts and actions should inform appropriate interventions. Specifically, according to the underlying theoretical framework, issues of belonging (social connection, isolation) and burdensomeness (feeling like a burden, lack of reciprocal care) can contribute to passive desire for death. Coupled with hopelessness about these specific issues ever improving, active desire for suicide can develop. Thus suicide ideation can move from passive to more active thoughts about taking one’s own life. However, human beings have evolved to survive, and taking one’s own life requires overcoming fear of pain and death. The theory states that people may think about suicide but will not attempt suicide unless they have developed the capability. The homicide of a close relation could impact this capability. The theory underlying the Clinical Framework clearly establishes a link between past exposure to painful and provocative events and future risk for suicide. Child abuse and homicide of a loved one are past painful and provocative events. More specifically, these events are considered to increase capability for suicide, one of the key theoretical concepts of CSC Clinical Framework. In December 2019, Health Care staff completed training on how to account for such past events in their understanding of suicide risk.

This new framework takes a preventative approach in identifying those at risk for suicide, which may include factors such as the homicide of a close relation.

Lead: Health Services Sector (Mental Health Branch)

Collaborator: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector

• December 2019: Implementation of the Clinical Framework
• June 4, 2019: Train-the-trainers has occurred, and roll out of training for staff has commenced with planned completion for December 2019
• February 6, 2020: Health staff training on the Clinical Framework was completed in December 2019. The implementation of the Clinical Framework across all regions is anticipated by April 2020
• April 7, 2021: The Clinical Framework has been implemented in all regions

Given the above, this action is considered complete.

One of the key principles of CSC’s Suicide Prevention and Intervention Strategy is to be informed by current research and best available evidence, such as the research studying the correlation between abuse, homicide and suicide. Applying findings from research across Canada and the world, including findings from CSC’s own Research Branch, will help ensure functional and effective responses to suicide and self-injury.

Lead: Health Services Sector

Collaborator: Policy Sector (Research Branch)

• April 2019: CSC’s Suicide Prevention and Intervention Strategy was implemented
• CSC’s Research Branch will undertake a 5-year study of offender suicides, suicide attempts and serious self-injury incidents to identify trends and responses, and inform suicide and self-injury learning activities and resources. The report is anticipated to be complete by September 2020
• The Research Branch continues to report on Suicides as part of the Annual Reports on Deaths in Custody. As well, the Special Projects and Data Management (SPDM) unit in the Research Branch monitors the trends in the suicide attempts and self-injury on an ongoing basis. In addition, SPDM also monitors and regularly reports on Overdoses in Federal Custody (some of which are suicide attempts). The report is largely written but has been delayed due to the team being diverted to work on Pandemic Issues and Structured Intervention Units. The report will be reviewed for possible publication in this fiscal year (2021 to 2022)

The next update is March 2022.

Enhancing prevention and intervention strategies for offenders with suicidal and self-injurious behaviours is a continuous goal for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). To this end, CSC has developed a Clinical Framework for the Identification, Management, and Intervention for Individuals with Suicide and Self-Injury Vulnerabilities. In support of the implementation of the Clinical Framework, CSC will implement a continuous quality improvement project. This will measure changes in processes and outcomes following implementation, with a focus on sustained improvement, and continuous review of the strategy.

Best practice for Health Services includes commitment to ongoing quality improvement initiatives. Planned monitoring of the implementation of the Clinical Framework will be consistent with a Quality Improvement initiative under the Accreditation standards. Targets will include: process measures such as number of inmates assessed through the new Clinical Framework; the completion of treatment plans and access to treatment; outcomes such as incidents of suicide, non-suicidal self-injury or overdose; and improvements in mental health need ratings.

The Clinical Framework includes the use of Safety Plans with individuals presenting vulnerabilities for suicide or self-injury. Safety Planning involves the proactive development of a plan to identify and manage early signs of distress and to avoid escalation to a crisis. With the implementation of the Clinical Framework, CSC will be able to test if the Safety Plans have an impact on number, intensity and duration of suicide/self-injury crisis.

Lead: Health Services Sector

Collaborator: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector

• The Evaluation Framework is currently being developed and the actual evaluation of the Clinical Framework is anticipated to begin in 2021. Regions have started implementing the Clinical Framework within the sites
• The Clinical Framework has been implemented in all regions

An update on the evaluation of the Clinical Framework is expected in December 2021.

The promulgation of Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 709, Administrative Segregation, in August 2017 included a number of enhancements, including specific groups of inmates not admissible to administrative segregation as well as additional groups not admissible unless exceptional circumstances are identified.

Following the promulgation of CD 709, the following inmates were no longer admissible to administrative segregation, and instead were managed under CSC’s policy to preserve life and prevent serious bodily harm (CD 843):

• inmates with a serious mental illness with significant impairment, including inmates who are certified in accordance with the relevant provincial/territorial legislation;
• inmates actively engaging in self-injury which is deemed likely to result in serious bodily harm; and
• inmates at elevated or imminent risk for suicide.

The following inmates were no longer admissible to administrative segregation, unless exceptional circumstances exist, and the admission could not exceed the first working day (review):

• pregnant inmates;
• inmates with significant mobility impairment; and
• inmates in palliative care.

As of November 30, 2019 administrative and disciplinary segregation no longer exists in CSC as a result of Bill C-83 An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act which received royal assent on June 21, 2019. CSC has introduced Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) for inmates who cannot safely reside within the mainstream inmate population. Inmates residing in an SIU receive structured interventions and programs tailored to their specific needs, a minimum of four hours a day out of their cell including two hours of meaningful human contact, and are visited by a healthcare professional on a daily basis. The goal is to facilitate the inmate’s return back to the mainstream population as soon as possible. As well, an independent external committee will be appointed to review cases of inmate transferred to SIUs.

Lead: Policy Sector

Collaborator: Health Services Sector

• N/A

This action is considered complete.

The Incident Investigations Branch has directed Boards of Investigation to examine and highlight any issues related to the core values of dignity and respect for inmates and standards for the treatment of offenders in their reports. Specifically, Board members have been instructed to consider the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Section 3a), CSC policy (CD 001 Mission Values and Ethics Framework for Correctional Service of Canada), CSC’s core values and appropriate international standards, as criteria relevant to their investigations. As such, Board Members should link their findings and supporting facts to these elements, including the basic principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

With regards to incidents that take place in segregation, CSC has made significant changes to the policy surrounding Segregation following the introduction of Bill C-83 An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act. While this Bill made important changes to the federal correctional system, including the elimination of segregation, Boards of Investigation will continue to explore the aforementioned values and standards as CSC proceeds with the introduction of its new correctional model and use of Structured Intervention Units (SIU’s) for inmates who cannot be managed safely within a mainstream inmate population.

Lead: Senior Deputy Commissioner (Incident Investigations Branch)

Collaborators: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector Health Services Sector

• N/A

This action is considered complete.

CSC has developed a Clinical Framework for the identification, management, and intervention for individuals with suicide and self-injury vulnerabilities which takes a preventative approach in identifying those at risk for suicide, including inmates who have history of abuse and/or who have killed a close relation. The theory underlying the Clinical Framework clearly establishes a link between past exposure to painful and provocative events and future risk for suicide. Child abuse and homicide of a close relation are past painful and provocative events. In December 2019, Health Care staff were trained on how to account for such past events in their understanding of suicide risk. More specifically, these events are considered to increase capability for suicide, one of the key theoretical concepts of CSC Clinical Framework.

As of November 30, 2019 administrative and disciplinary segregation no longer exist in CSC as a result of Bill C-83 An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act which received royal assent on June 21, 2019. CSC has introduced Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) for inmates who cannot safely reside within the mainstream inmate population. Inmates residing in an SIU receive structured interventions and programs tailored to their specific needs, a minimum of four hours a day out of their cell including two hours of meaningful human contact, and are seen by a healthcare professional on a daily basis. In addition, within 24 hours of being transferred, an inmate is referred to Health Services for an assessment of their health, including mental health, which is repeated every 14 days. This is followed by a mental health assessment within 28 days of being transferred to an SIU. The goal is to facilitate the inmate’s return back to the mainstream population as soon as possible. As well, an independent external committee will be appointed to review cases of inmate transfers to SIUs.

Lead: Health Services (Mental Health Branch)

Collaborator: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector

• December 2019: Implementation of the Clinical Framework
• February 6, 2020: Health staff training on the Clinical Framework was completed in December 2019. The implementation of the Clinical Framework across all regions is anticipated by April 2020
• April 7, 2021: The Clinical Framework has now been implemented in all regions

Given the above, this action is considered complete.

CSC has engaged medical Ethicists from the Ottawa Hospital to conduct an ethics review of CD 843 Interventions to Preserve Life and Prevent Serious Bodily Harm, CSC’s organizational policy on the management of suicidal and self-injurious behaviour. This review included a focus on the appropriate balance between a competent individual’s right to self-determination and CSC’s organizational preservation of life mandate. It also examined how to maximize quality of life for the inmate population while ensuring risk mitigation for preservation of life. Both internal (staff and inmates) and external stakeholders provided input into this review. As mentioned in Recommendation 1, enhancing prevention and intervention strategies for offenders with suicidal and self-injurious behaviours is a continuous goal for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). To this end, CSC has developed a Clinical Framework for the Identification, Management, and Intervention for Individuals with Suicide and Self-Injury Vulnerabilities.

• Correctional Manager Training Program – 1.8 module (managing inmates mental health);
• Suicide and Self-Injury Initial Training and Continuous Development; and
• Pinel Restraint System for Correctional Officers

The addition of a new Dynamic Security module to Correctional Officer Continuous Development (CXCD) for 2018 to 2019 further supports strengthening management strategies of inmates. It has been developed to ensure ongoing focus on communication and de-escalation skills and skills related to the Engagement and Intervention Model (EIM). This training includes: a review of related law and policy (including EIM); review of Dynamic Security, Security Patrols and Counts, Communication styles and tools; a review of the Highly Toxic Substances Protocol; and scenario based training.

Dynamic security is a practice that encourages meaningful and constructive interactions between offenders and staff. This is done by increasing awareness of factors that contribute to or detract from a safe and secure environment. Respectful and supportive interactions between staff and offenders can have a positive affect and enhance a culture within an institution and the community. These interactions can also allow staff to assess an offender's adjustment and stability.

Lead: Health Services Sector

Collaborators: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector (Security Branch), Policy Sector (Research Branch), Corporate Services (Technical Services – Life sign)

ACHS: December 2019: Implementation of the Clinical Framework

ACCS: February 4, 2019: Evaluation of proposals for a technical solution
April 2020: Evaluation of two Proof of Concept’s

• February 6, 2020: Health staff training on the Clinical Framework was completed in December 2019. The implementation of the Clinical Framework across all regions is anticipated by April 2020
• April 7, 2021: The Clinical Framework has been implemented across all regions.
• June 10, 2021: Life System Monitoring System (LSMS) project has been going through the steps required by Innovation Science Canada with the ultimate goal of developing a prototype in Phase 2 that will be installed in one of our institutions. Following the evaluation of the two Innovators, a panel of experts chose and allocated funds to Spectronix Inc. to develop the product under the Phase 2 of the project
• As of today, Spectronix Inc. is completing the security requirements in order to enable PSPC the award of the contract. Our estimation is that it will happen no later than the end of August 2021. Taking into consideration that the contractual obligation is to develop the prototype in 24 months, a conservative estimation is that we are going to have the prototype buy the end of August 2023
• The COVID 19 situation of the last year greatly impacted the schedule especially given the involvement of the three governmental agencies: PSPC, Innovation Science Canada and CSC

Ongoing

Both internal (staff and inmates) and external stakeholders provided input into an ethics review of CD 843 Interventions to Preserve Life and Prevent Serious Bodily Harm, CSC’s organizational policy on the management of suicidal and self-injurious behaviour. This review included an examination of how to maximize quality of life for the inmate population while ensuring risk mitigation for preservation of life.

CSC’s new Clinical Framework will result in an intervention plan that targets suicide and self-injury needs and vulnerabilities. The plan will be developed in collaboration with the inmate. In the new Clinical Framework, intervention is conceived broadly, with all staff having a role in the intervention plan for suicide and self-injury. Prevention of suicide and self-injury is conceived of as community-level phenomenon, where everyone contributes to activities that help reduce the types of pain and distress that contribute to suicidal desire. Information material for staff and contractors (e.g., correctional officers, program officers, parole officers) will reinforce how their regular interactions can assist with these goals. These activities can complement each other and create an environment that helps offenders find meaning and connection, as well as addressing needs and vulnerabilities that keep them stuck in a cycle of suicide ideation and self-injury.

The addition of a new Dynamic Security module to Correctional Officer Continuous Development (CXCD) for 2018 to 2019 further supports strengthening management strategies of inmates. The module has been developed to ensure ongoing focus on communication and de-escalation skills and skills related to the Engagement and Intervention Model (EIM). This training includes a review of related law and policy (including EIM); review of Dynamic Security, Security Patrols and Counts, Communication styles and tools; a review of the Highly Toxic Substances Protocol; and scenario based training.

Dynamic security is a practice that encourages meaningful and constructive interactions between offenders and staff. This is done by increasing awareness of factors that contribute to or detract from a safe and secure environment. Respectful and supportive interactions between staff and offenders can have a positive affect and enhance a culture within an institution and the community. These interactions can also allow staff to assess an offender's adjustment and stability.

Lead: Health Services Sector

Collaborator: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector

• December 2019: Implementation of the Clinical Framework
• February 6, 2020: Health staff training on the Clinical Framework was completed in December 2019. The implementation of the Clinical Framework across all regions is anticipated by April 2020
• April 7, 2021: The Clinical Framework has been implemented across all regions

Given the above, this action is considered completed.

CSC will conduct a review of policies to determine the feasibility on having specific questions from Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA) integrated as part of the prevention initiative during the intake process within the renewed National Drug and Substances Interdiction Strategy (CD 585 – National Drug Strategy).

The following will be reviewed and amended where required:

• CD 585 – National Drug Strategy;
• CD 705-6 – Criminal Profile and Correctional Plan; and
• CD 710-1 – Progress Against the Correctional Plan.

Lead: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector (Reintegration Operations Division)

• May 2019: The Reintegration and Operations Division (ROD) is meeting with the Security Operations Division (OPI for CD 585) as well as the Preventive Security Intelligence Branch to discuss the above note recommendation and determine the best approach to implement it.
• June 2019: The policy framework for CD 585 will be strengthened to be in alignment with components of Health Canada’s Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (four pillars), including emphasis on harm reduction strategies. The revised policy is expected to include the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse, as part of a prevention initiative during the intake process. Promulgation is now anticipated for June 2020.
• April 2020: Commissioner’s Directive 585 is currently approved for the second round of consultation; however, based on CSC’s current response to control the spread of COVID-19, policy consultation processes have been postponed. As a result of this delay, the Security Operations Division anticipates the promulgation of Commissioner’s Directive 585 to take place in late 2020. An update will be provided in September 2020.
• September 2020: Security Operations recently received draft changes/recommendations/considerations from the Policy Sector, which will be addressed and subsequently submitted for approval by October 30, 2020. The consultation process related to the draft CD 585 is expected to begin in November 2020 following approval of the draft by the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs and the Assistant Commissioner, Policy. EXCOM review and promulgation will follow thereafter. An update will be provided in January 2021.
• January 14, 2021: The policy had previously reached formal consultation and required significant changes in the overall direction, as Health Canada had concurrently introduced the new Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. In agreement with Health Canada’s approach to a comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy, CSC has since amended the policy to reflect the current realities. This directional change was supported by both the ACCOP and ACHS, which is now reflected in the draft copies.
• The draft CD 585 is in the informal consultation phase and continues to undergo internal revisions. An update will be provided at the end of April 2021.
• April 21, 2021: The draft CD remains in the informal consultation phase and continues to undergo internal revisions, as significant commentary was received from the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch and Reintegration Operations Division. Once a draft is ready for review, the policy will be sent for internal approvals (i.e. Director) and shared with the Policy Sector. An update will be provided by September 20, 2021.
• September 7, 2021: Following internal consultation with the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch and the Reintegration Operations Division, Security Operations is currently in the process of revising the draft CD 585. Additionally, the Opioid Agonist Treatment memorandum, co-signed by the Directors General of Security and Health, has been completed. An update will be provided by November 30, 2021.
• November 16, 2021: Consultation occurred between the Security Branch, Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch, and the Reintegration Operations Division. Preventive Security and Intelligence is in the process of revising the draft CD 585 accordingly. Once the draft CD is ready for review, it will be shared with Strategic Policy. No further action for Security Operations.
• February 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch assumed responsibility for the Drug Strategy portfolio near the end of November 2021. Reviewing and updating CD 585 National Drug Strategy to reflect the four pillars of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy remains a high priority. PSI anticipates that informal consultations on the policy will begin in Summer 2021. This recommendation can form part of that consultation process.
• June 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch has been notified that Health Canada is working on the renewal of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) as part of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health’s mandate commitment to advance a comprehensive strategy to address substance use harms in Canada. One of the more significant changes is moving away from pillars to foundational elements. Health Canada is currently working with CDSS federal partners, including CSC, and are aiming to publish the renewed strategy late fall 2022/early winter 2023. As such, PSI is working collaboratively with Health Canada, Strategic Policy, Offender Programs and Reintegration Branch and Health Services to re-conceptualize the policy to align with the foundational elements. This recommendation can form part of that consultation process.
• August 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch has been notified that Health Canada is working on the renewal of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) as part of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health’s mandate commitment to advance a comprehensive strategy to address substance use harms in Canada. One of the more significant changes is moving away from pillars to foundational elements. Consistent with the CDSS and in recognition that problematic substance use is a health and operations issue, PSI is establishing a National Drugs and Substances Strategy working group to re-conceptualize the CD 585 policy framework to align, where appropriate, with the new CDSS. The target date for promulgation of the new CD 585 policy framework is September 30, 2023.

An update will be provided by November 30, 2022.

The Incident Investigations Branch (IIB) has undertaken a new enhanced investigation analysis approach to examine fatal and non-fatal overdose related incidents through the lens of the four pillars of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement. To date, this approach has been used in all regions to gain a better understanding of the context and institutional environment surrounding overdose related incidents. Using focus groups and interviews/questionnaires centred around the four pillars, Incident Investigation staff engage institutional staff and inmates regarding problematic substance use within the institution.

As part of their work, incident investigators routinely review the care, treatment, and monitoring received by an offender and are required to make appropriate recommendations when necessary. Recommendations made by investigators influence change, including CSC’s progress in addressing problematic substance use within federal institutions. Specifically, further to findings of a Board of Investigation (BOI), CSC’s policy framework surrounding its National Drug Strategy (CD 585) is under revision to include the four pillars of addressing problematic substance use to inform prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement strategies. The new policy will introduce the four-pillar framework of Health Canada’s Federal Action on Opioids and incorporate the focus of CSC’s Contraband Control Strategy in order to strengthen the National Drug and Substances Interdiction Strategy. The four pillars of the Health Canada Federal Action on Opioids, as they relate to the National Drug and Substances Strategy, will be reinforced through the responsibilities of the institution’s Drug and Substances Interdiction Committee (DSIC).

Lead: Senior Deputy Commissioner Sector (Incident Investigations Branch)

Collaborators: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector, Health Services Sector

• June 2020: Promulgation of CD 585
• April 2020: Commissioner’s Directive 585 is currently approved for the second round of consultation; however, based on CSC’s current response to control the spread of COVID-19, policy consultation processes have been postponed. As a result of this delay, the Security Operations Division anticipates the promulgation of Commissioner’s Directive 585 to take place in late 2020. An update will be provided in September 2020.
• September 2020: Security Operations recently received draft changes/recommendations/considerations from the Policy Sector, which will be addressed and subsequently submitted for approval by October 30, 2020. The consultation process related to the draft CD 585 is expected to begin in November 2020 following approval of the draft by the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs and the Assistant Commissioner, Policy. EXCOM review and promulgation will follow thereafter. An update will be provided in January 2021.
• January 14, 2021: The policy had previously reached formal consultation and required significant changes in the overall direction, as Health Canada had concurrently introduced the new Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. In agreement with Health Canada’s approach to a comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy, CSC has since amended the policy to reflect the current realities. This directional change was supported by both the ACCOP and ACHS, which is now reflected in the draft copies.
• The draft CD 585 is in the informal consultation phase and continues to undergo internal revisions. An update will be provided at the end of April 2021.
• April 21, 2021: The draft CD remains in the informal consultation phase and continues to undergo internal revisions, as significant commentary was received from the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch and Reintegration Operations Division. Once a draft is ready for review, the policy will be sent for internal approvals (i.e. Director) and shared with the Policy Sector. An update will be provided by September 20, 2021.
• September 7, 2021: Following internal consultation with the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch and the Reintegration Operations Division, Security Operations is currently in the process of revising the draft CD 585. Additionally, the Opioid Agonist Treatment memorandum, co-signed by the Directors General of Security and Health, has been completed. An update will be provided by November 30, 2021.
• November 16, 2021: Consultation occurred between the Security Branch, Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch, and the Reintegration Operations Division. Preventive Security and Intelligence is in the process of revising the draft CD 585 accordingly. Once the draft CD is ready for review, it will be shared with Strategic Policy. No further action for Security Operations.
• February 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch assumed responsibility for the Drug Strategy portfolio near the end of November 2021. Reviewing and updating CD 585 National Drug Strategy to reflect the four pillars of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy remains a high priority. In addition, guidance must be added to the draft policy to provide direction to the sites regarding the development and content of institutional drug strategies. PSI anticipates that informal consultations on the policy will begin in Summer 2021.
• June 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch has been notified that Health Canada is working on the renewal of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) as part of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health’s mandate commitment to advance a comprehensive strategy to address substance use harms in Canada. One of the more significant changes is moving away from pillars to foundational elements. Health Canada is currently working with CDSS federal partners, including CSC, and are aiming to publish the renewed strategy late fall 2022/early winter 2023. As such, PSI is working collaboratively with Health Canada, Strategic Policy, Offender Programs and Reintegration Branch and Health Services to re-conceptualize the policy to align with the foundational elements.
• August 2022: The Preventive Security and Intelligence (PSI) Branch has been notified that Health Canada is working on the renewal of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) as part of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health’s mandate commitment to advance a comprehensive strategy to address substance use harms in Canada. One of the more significant changes is moving away from pillars to foundational elements. Consistent with the CDSS and in recognition that problematic substance use is a health and operations issue, PSI is establishing a National Drugs and Substances Strategy working group to re-conceptualize the CD 585 policy framework to align, where appropriate, with the new CDSS. The target date for promulgation of the new CD 585 policy framework is September 30, 2023.

An update will be provided by November 30, 2022.

In response to increasing needs, CSC, over the past 3 years, has increased the number of individuals on Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) by 101.6% between 2016 (920) and 2019 (1855). CSC introduced the methadone program over 20 years ago and the OAT currently includes Methadone, buprenorphine naloxone tablets, buprenorphine film (introduced in 2018), and buprenorphine extended-release injectable (introduced in June 2019).

CSC continues to explore ways of promoting and increasing the enrollment of offenders on OAT.

Lead: Health Services Sector

Collaborator: Correctional Operations and Programs Sector (Reintegration Operations Division, Institutional and Community)

• N/A

This action is considered complete.

The Research Branch will continue to monitor overdose incidents (including the substances involved) and will issue a report or update for FY 2017 to 2018 and FY 2018 to 2019. The Branch will continue to note trends in overdose incidents and offender profiles in this report, as a follow-up to a major special report on overdoses from 2012 to 2013 to 2016 to 2017 that was released in January 2019 (SR 18-02 Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody, 2012 to 2013 to 2016 to 2017).

These overdose reports combined along with the research conducted by the Branch on substance misuse issues will provide a robust picture of predictive indicators of inmate opioid use.

Lead: Policy Sector (Research Branch)

• A follow-up report on FY 2017 to 2018 will be prepared in draft format for review by the end of FY 2018 to 2019 with an expected release in the early summer of 2019
• A follow-up report on FY 2018 to 2019 will be prepared by the end of FY 2019 to 2020
• Summer 2019: Release of 2017 to 2018 report
• March 31, 2020: Release of 2018 to 2019 report
• March 31, 2020: Literature Review
• The 2017 to 2018 report on Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody was released in December 2019
• The 2018 to 2019 report on Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody was released in December 2020

This action is considered complete, as overdoses will continue to be monitored and reported on by the Research Branch into the future.

CSC will seek to have one of its external research partners under a current MOU undertake this project. The Research Branch will seek to establish a Service Exchange Agreement for this purpose. Once an agreement is negotiated, the Health Services Sector will be consulted to establish an approach, methodology, and timelines. Consideration will need to be given as to how this developed option compares to the Severity of Dependence scale that is already part of CASA. The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS; Gossop et. al., 1995) is a measure of the psychological aspects of drug dependence. It measures compulsive use by assessing the individual’s fixation and abandon over their own drug use.

Lead: Policy Sector (Research Branch)

Collaborator: Health Services Sector

• The Research Branch will strive to have a Service Exchange Agreement in place by the end of May 2019. Additional timelines will be determined once this has been completed.
• A report entitled Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS): Linking psychological dependence to specific substances is currently in the final stages of being prepared for approvals and is scheduled for publication in the first half of FY 2020 to 2021.
• April 21, 2021: This report has been delayed due to demands on the resources in the Research Branch during the Pandemic. It is planned for completion in Fiscal Year 2021 to 2022.

Ongoing

The Research Branch will continue to monitor overdose incidents (including the substances involved) and will issue a report or update for FY 2017 to 2018 and FY 2018 to 2019. The Branch will continue to note trends in overdose incidents and offender profiles in this report, as a follow-up to a major special report on overdoses from 2012 to 2013 to 2016 to 2017 that was released in January 2019 (SR 18-02 Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody, 2012 to 2013 to 2016 to 2017).

Lead: Policy Sector (Research Branch)

Collaborators: Health Services Sector, Senior Deputy Commissioner Sector (Incident Investigations Branch)

• A follow-up report on FY 2017 to 2018 will be prepared in draft format for review by the end of FY 2018 to 2019 with an expected release in the early summer of 2019
• A follow-up report on FY 2018 to 2019 will be prepared by the end of FY 2019 to 2020
• The 2017 to 2018 report on Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody was released in December 2019.
• The 2018 to 2019 report on Overdose Incidents in Federal Custody was released in December 2020.

This action is considered complete, as overdoses will continue to be monitored and reported on by the Research Branch into the future.

CSC’s Incident Investigation Branch (IIB) has revised the Board of Investigation (BOI) report format to include a section titled “Key Issues of Non-Compliance and Underlying Issues”. This section provides investigators the opportunity to highlight and focus on the issues they felt were the most significant regarding the incident under investigation. As per Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 041 Incident Investigations, the ‘Key Issues’ section identifies “the key or critical Policy Gap(s) or Underlying Issue(s) directly supporting the Recommendation(s), if any, that CSC can learn from and/or contribute to the prevention of similar incidents from happening in the future”.

Lead: Senior Deputy Commissioner Sector (Incident Investigations Branch)

• N/A

This action is considered complete.

The Incident Investigations Branch (IIB) now emphasizes the importance of developing terms of reference that are specific to the individual circumstances of an incident, and investigation reports include a section which examines the context surrounding the incident. As per the Branch’s new Board of Investigation (BOI) Report guidelines, the “Context” section of investigation reports presents and analyses factors related to the environment and operations at the site, such as but not limited to the following:

• environmental scan / climate indicator research information;
• institutional, unit or range specific information, including reference to population management or demographics;
• issues and challenges identified in previous investigation(s) or that the operational unit is or has been facing;
• trends and analyses of incidents at the operational unit, within the region, or across the country over a period of time;
• relevant findings and recommendations from other BOIs and/or the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI);
• inmate complaints and grievances prior to or related to the incident including outstanding inmate/offender(s) complaints or grievances at the time of the incident; and
• incidents involving the use of force prior to incident.

Lead: Senior Deputy Commissioner Sector (Incident Investigations Branch)

• N/A

This action is considered complete.

CSC will seek to have one of its external research partners under a current MOU undertake this project. The Research Branch will seek to establish a Service Exchange Agreement for this endeavour. Once an agreement is negotiated, the Communications and Engagement Sector will be consulted to establish an approach, methodology and timelines.

Lead: Policy Sector (Research Branch)

Collaborator: Communications and Engagement Sector

• The Research Branch will strive to have a Service Exchange Agreement in place by the end of May 2019. Additional timelines will be determined once this has been completed.
• The Research Branch has not been successful in finding an external partner to undertake this research.  Therefore, the Research Branch will undertake a review of other jurisdictions (including Canadian and international correctional agencies websites) to determine the practices followed by other agencies and will prepare a summary of the results.  This summary is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of FY 2020 to 2021.
• April 21, 2021: This study is largely completed and is being edited. It has been delayed due to the Special Projects and Data Management (SPDM) unit in the Research Branch being diverted to work on Pandemic Issues and Structured Intervention Units. It will be completed and prepared for approvals and possible publication in FY 2021 to 2022.

Ongoing