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Friday 27 February 2015

Inmates suing over lack of rehabilitative programs

When you look at the mandate of the Correctional Services of Canada, it states in their introduction that the "CSC offers a variety programs for offenders within the institution and those on parole in the community to assist them to successfully reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens" (CSC, 2008). This is mentioned continuously in different sections of their mandate, mission and priorities. And yet, a few days ago, two inmates from two different B.C institutions have filed a lawsuit alleging that the federal corrections service has violated their legal duty to provide them with access to rehabilitation programs. 

Wesley Devries, one of the inmates, is currently at Mission Medium institution under fraud-related charges. In the article, it states that when he arrived to the institution, there were no spots available in programs and no resources for psychiatric care. With 7 months to go until statutory release is still currently wait-listed. Yong Long Ye, the other inmate who filed the lawsuit, currently at the Matsqui institution for drug-related charges, is considered low risk and does not meet the criteria for programs. Both, like many have been denied many advances such as parole or transfer to lower security institutions because they had not participated in rehabilitative programs. Jason McGown, the former head of the inmates’ committee at Mission Medium states “[that] it is incredibly frustrating for those of us that recognize that we need help and want to participate in program”. 


So the question many are asking themselves--if it’s their legal duty to provide programs and inmates need it for parole requirements, then why were they rejected? Is it the lack of resources? Is it the lack of programs? Why are they not meeting the criteria?


Carol Bellringer, the Auditor General of BC, in her report last month mentioned that B.C corrections are failing to provide adequate programs for inmates. The report mentions,  “the core programs for sentenced offenders are specifically designed to reduce re-offending, by targeting issues that contribute to a criminal lifestyle and influence inmates’ patterns of thinking and behaviour” (AGBC Corrections Report, 2015). It was found that most cases do not meet legislation or policy expectations to provide the inmates with timely access to programs. Another issue is overcrowding, the report mentions that the average occupancy rate across all centres is at 140%, this can explain why inmates are seeing the lack of opportunity to be involved in rehabilitative programs. The last issue is the allocation of resources, the money is being put towards expanding prisons to address the need of overcrowding and the double-bunking situation but there still needs to be more money put into rehabilitative programs. If programs are meant for those who pose a higher risk to society, shouldn’t they find a way to help those who want help, regardless of the risk they pose?

By denying them the help they need, we are only adding to the problems and creating problems for their release into society. If we can’t find a way to help them within prison, then perhaps the policies, requirements, legislation need to change to address the issues upon their release and get the help they want and need.

--Martha Espinoza