NCJ Number
203291
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 8-10
Date Published
May 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines the role of the Citizens’ Advisory Committees (CAC’s) in Canada.
Abstract
CAC’s represent one of the most ambitious and comprehensive programs of citizen involvement attempted by the Canadian Government. Launched in 1977, there are now CAC’s attached to every Federal correctional institution and regional parole office in Canada. The role of CAC’s is to contribute to the public safety by assisting in the improvement of the correctional system. CAC committee members advise the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) on issues relating to public safety and offender management. One challenge of implementing this system of citizen input has been on striking a balance between citizen advice and CSC management decisions. The article points out that the credibility of CAC members rests on their ability to be impartial observers who, although engaged in a partnership with the CSC, remain distinctly outside of the CSC. Another function of CAC’s is to provide outreach to the community and actively challenge fellow citizens to become better informed about the correctional service. The overall success of CAC’s since their inception 25 years ago has been mixed. CAC’s have proven successful at providing powerful support for the development and implementation of effective rehabilitation programs, but have met with obstacles in their efforts to contribute effectively to the public debate on corrections. Despite this drawback, CAC’s make a valuable contribution to the Canadian correctional process and, in 1998 CAC’s were honored with the American Correctional Association’s Chapter Award in the Public Information Category for Best Practices and Excellence in Corrections.