[ Browse by Service Category : Criminal Correctional System : Sub-Topics of Alternative Sentencing/Supervision (12) ]

Community Based Residential Facilities

Facilities that provide a bridge between correctional institutions and the community for offenders, working on a system of gradual, supervised release. Programming for residents may include life skills, substance use disorder counselling, employment preparation and crisis counselling. Formerly known as halfway houses, CBRFs include facilities operated by the federal government, non-governmental agencies, hostels, private home placements (PHPs), Alternative Community Beds (ACBs), and supervised apartments.

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Community Service Orders

Programs that hold adult and youth offenders accountable for their crimes by having them spend a specified number of hours serving the community or crime victims through uncompensated work in lieu of a fine, restitution or jail. Community service orders (CSOs) may also be issued as a condition of probation by the court as a sanction, or it may be stipulated as a condition of diversion. Offenders can work for churches, hospitals, nursing homes, municipalities and other public and nonprofit organizations. CSOs are usually arranged and monitored through a corrections agency, but work assignments and supervision at the work site are normally the responsibility of a community organization such as a local volunteer centre or a public agency.

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Diversion Programs

Community-based programs that provide and/or coordinate the delivery of individual, group and family counselling, training, employment assistance and other prescribed social services for individuals who have been arrested for a minor offence and directed to participate in an educational or treatment program in lieu of prosecution for the offence. In most cases, the courts suspend prosecution for a prescribed period and dismiss charges altogether against those who successfully complete the program. Included are jail diversion programs which ensure that mentally ill offenders receive treatment and support services rather than spend time in jail.

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Parole

Programs that provide for the formal supervision of people who have been conditionally released from jail, prison or other confinement after serving part of the term for which they were sentenced based on the judgment of a parole board that there is a reasonable probability that they will live and remain at liberty without violating the law. People who are on parole remain in the legal custody of the province and may be reincarcerated if they violate the terms of their parole order.

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Probation

Programs that provide for the formal supervision of individuals who have been convicted of a crime, usually a lesser offence, and given a suspended sentence which releases them into the community under specific conditions which may include a reduced term in a correctional facility, fines, restitution to the victim, community work, counselling, "good conduct" and other stipulations.

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Victim Impact Programs

Programs that offer classes which are designed to help offenders accept responsibility for their criminal actions, understand the impact of crime on victims and the community, and refrain from future criminal behaviour. Individual classes may focus on specific types of crimes (generally those involving a personal relationship such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse or bullying) or may be intended for a broader range of offenders (e.g., those involved in property crimes, drunk driving, drug-related crimes, robbery, gang violence, sexual assault, homicide). The classes may involve personal presentations by victims of crimes (not specific victims of offenders in attendance but victims in unrelated cases) who describe how their victimization has affected their lives. Parents of incarcerated youth and people who provide services for victims may also participate. Offenders are encouraged to enter into a dialogue with the guest speakers. Victim impact classes have been adapted for both adult and juvenile offenders (the majority being for juveniles) in diversion, probation, prison, pre-release, detention, and parole supervised settings.

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The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.