NCJ Number
199216
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 25-27
Date Published
September 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study compared First Nations, Metis, and Inuit offenders and identified strategies that could be used to improve programs and policy for these offenders.
Abstract
Data were obtained from the following samples of Aboriginal offenders incarcerated in Canadian Federal correctional facilities in August 2000: 1,490 First Nations, 586 Metis, and 100 Inuit. For the purpose of comparison, 10,363 non-Aboriginal inmates were included in the study. There were few socio-demographic differences among the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit offenders. Over one-half (57 percent) of Inuit offenders had less than an eighth-grade education at the time of admission, compared with 31 percent of First Nations offenders and 21 percent of Metis. The average age at the time of admission was significantly older for Inuit offenders (33 years) than First Nations and Metis offenders (about 30 1/2 years). Inuit offenders were also less likely to be married at admission than First Nations and Metis offenders (28 percent versus 40 percent and 43 percent, respectively). There were some differences among First Nations, Metis, and Inuit offenders regarding their identified needs for programming. Significantly larger proportions of Inuit offenders were rated as high need overall for comprehensive intervention. When examining specific need areas, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit offenders did not differ substantially in the areas of community functioning, personal/emotional orientation, or attitudes; however, significantly larger proportions of First Nations and Metis offenders were rated as having "some or considerable" need in the area of employment compared to Inuit offenders. Regarding offenses for which offenders were incarcerated, significantly larger proportions of First Nations offenders were incarcerated for homicide. The difference between Metis and Inuit offenders was insignificant. Significantly larger proportions of Inuit offenders were incarcerated for sexual offenses. Overall, Inuit offenders presented a multitude of social and psychological issues upon entry to Federal facilities. Large proportions were under-educated, had considerable difficulty with personal/emotional issues, abused substances, and had significant problems in marital/family relations. They were also more often identified as needing comprehensive interventions than other Aboriginal groups. These findings emphasize the necessity of offering Inuit offenders a diverse range of programming. Findings suggest that programming should be tailored to the varying needs of specific Aboriginal groups. 3 tables and 4 notes