NCJ Number
205305
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 32-35
Editor(s)
Larry Motiuk
Date Published
December 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and implementation of the Correctional Service of Canada program accreditation process.
Abstract
Over the last decade, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has developed and implemented programs to reduce the likelihood of offenders committing new offenses following release. Research indicates that the programs have been achieving their goals with the majority of the offenders. However, it was acknowledged that CSC must ensure and demonstrate that these intervention programs are effective. Based upon the understanding of the design and experience of both the Offending Behavior Programs Unit of her Majesty’s Prison Service’s of England (HMPS) and the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) Program Accreditation approach, the CSC began an examination into the development of a Program Accreditation process. In 1998, the Executive Committee of CSC approved a proposal which called for an approach for accreditation process within the CSC that would involve two separate phases: (1) programs would be accredited through the use of International Experts Panels that would utilize criteria derived from the HMPS and (2) teams of CSC staff, using standards to be approved as part of the Program Accreditation would conduct the audit of the program delivery sites. This article describes the CSC Program Accreditation development and implementation process which includes the accreditation process, accreditation criteria, program assessment, accreditation of program delivery sites, and the establishment of an internal panel entitled National Site Accreditation Panel (NAP). The first Correctional Program Accreditation Panel was held in May 1998. The panels have reviewed 22 programs for accreditation and granted accreditation for 16 programs. The Site Reviews for the accredited programs began in November 1998 with five programs granted accreditation status. However, site accreditation reviews were stopped in December 2001 pending review of the program standards and audit process. In April 2003, the Executive Committee of CSC approved the move to integrated program standards. Site reviews were to re-commence in fiscal year 2004-2005.