Chapter 12: Release and Reentry

Programs for Offenders

Community correctional centres and residential facilities (halfway houses) Intensive supervision program High-risk offenders on conditional release

Temporary Absences

Conditional release allowing inmate to participate in community activities while residing in a minimum-security facility (UTA, ETA)

Preparing for Release

Institutional staff participate in parole process Release plan Plan setting out residential, educational, and treatment arrangements made for an inmate who is applying for conditional release Community assessment Evaluation of the feasibility of the release plan, the level of supervision required, and the availability of community resources

Cold Turkey Release

Release of an offender at the end of the sentence No conditional release or supervision possible

Suspension and Revocation

Suspension: Initiated by the supervising parole officer in cases where the parolee has allegedly failed to abide by the conditions of release Can be cancelled or sent to PBC for review Revocation: A decision by a releasing authority (parole board) made in connection with an offender whose release has been suspended Most revocations are for technical violations (breach of conditions). Only 10% of revocations are for a new offence. Misleading stat—offences may go undetected, offences may not be easily proved and so become revocations.

Effectiveness of Conditional Release

TA: 95%+ successful completion. Day Parole: Yes; important for gradual release; 90% success; access to programs and services. Full Parole: supervision in community provides best chance to address needs and manage risk; 80% success. Stat Release: supervision for high-risk offender; 60% success; 72% success if previous parole supervision; importance of community supervision for successful reintegration. Decision Making: hard to tell; should be measured by more than just recidivism; many offenders do not request parole.

Conditional Release

Term for various means of leaving prison before the end of a sentence Subject to conditions that, if breached, may trigger revocation Parole

Pains of Reentry

The difficulties that inmates released from prison encounter as they try to adjust to life in the community

Warrant Expiry Date

The end of an offender's sentence

Reintegration

The process whereby an inmate is prepared for and released into the community after serving time in prison Goal is to avoid recidivism in the short term (until warrant expiry) and afterwards. Most recidivate within the first two years following release, highlighting the importance of community support.

Full Parole

An inmate at large and under supervision in the community for the remainder of his or her sentence

Day Parole

An opportunity for inmates to be at large to prepare for full release while returning at night to an institution or community residential facility

Issues in Parole Decision Making

Boards may be subject to public and political influence Absence of case information feedback Absence of clearly defined release criteria

Special Populations on Parole

High-Risk Offenders Mental Illness Sex Offenders High-Risk: community corrections liaison officers monitor high-risk offenders; specialized teams in large police forces. Mental Illness: special challenges on release; most are poorly prepared. Sex Offenders: high profile; anti-androgens, high-risk offender program, GPS, sex offender registries.

Victims

May observe the hearing and make statements in person, in writing, or by pre-recorded video Participation is sporadic and rare Parole hearing may be far from home Little knowledge of parole process Intimidating Information sharing Status, release dates, conditions

Release options

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Making It: Predictors of Success

Predictors of Success Support network Stable housing Employment Participation in treatment Decision to be pro-social Demographics High-profile cases of parole violation often lead to more restrictive parole practices despite its high success rate. Low public support for parole.

Difficulties

Prison - Slow, structured, few choices or responsibilities, assistance readily available Outside - Fast-paced, complex, many choices and obligations, no one to assist immediately Problems - Employment, family reunification, housing, friends, substance abuse issues, low education, criminal record, isolation, anxiety, post-incarceration syndrome Especially difficult for state-raised offenders. Little experience living in the community, no family ties, few prosocial friends, identity and status associated with the institution, no assistance or security. Significant institutionalization. May resort to risky behaviour; many recidivate within 3 years.

Parole Officer Supervision

Responsibilities include assessment, monitoring, counselling, officer of the court Dual role Confidant and enforcer of rules Recent emphasis on risk management and surveillance Enforcement orientation

Reentry for women offenders

Risks High-risk rating Unemployment Substance use Failure to complete community programs Challenges Employment Childcare arrangements Establishing contact with children Suitable accommodation Partner issues Gender discrimination Success Choice to be pro-social Support network Positive relationship with parole officer

Statutory Release

Type of conditional release that allows incarcerated federal offenders to be released at the 2/3 point in their sentence Serve remaining 1/3 under supervision in the community

Assessment and plan

residence, education, employment, treatment, family and other supports, the extent to which the offender understands and accepts responsibility, information given by the victim, special conditions