Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Problematic Substance Use Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Preventing the Problematic Use of Pharmaceuticals Addressing Enforcement Issues Sustaining Workforce Development Implementing a National Research Agenda and Facilitating Knowledge Transfer Improving the quality, accessibility and range of options to treat harmful substance use including substance use disorders (Treatment) Modernizing Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Frameworks Focusing on Children and Youth Reaching Out to Canada’s North Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis People in Addressing Their Needs Responding to Offender-Related Issues Raising Public Awareness About Addictions: Creating Momentum for Action National Alcohol Policy Thematic Workshop National Thematic Workshop on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Preventing the Harmful Use of Psychotropic Pharmaceuticals National Thematic Workshop on Enforcement Police and Policing Partners: Supply Management and Demand Reduction Workforce Development Thematic Workshop National Thematic Workshop on Research National Thematic Workshop on Improving the Quality, Accessibility, and Range of Options to Treat Harmful Substance Use Including Substance Use Disorders (Treatment) National Thematic Workshop on Corrections National Symposium on Language

Responding to Offender-Related Issues

The majority (70% to 80%) of people entering Canada's correctional systems are identified as having problems with substance use (alcohol, other drugs, or both). In addition, approximately 50% report using drugs or alcohol prior to the commission of their last offence. Research has established a strong link between problematic substance use and both past and future criminal behaviour. Treating problematic substance use reduces the rate of re-offence of offenders after release from prison and provides for more effective re-integration into communities. 

In addition to the impact of effective treatment on criminal behaviour, there are important health benefits to be achieved.  Rates of HIV and hepatitis C are higher among offenders than the general population and disease transmission through high-risk behaviours within the closed environment of a correctional facility is a serious concern. After completing their time in prison, offenders return to the community where continued drug use and other high risk behaviours may further spread diseases to the general population. There is a need for effective partnerships between the health and justice sectors to ensure safe community re-integration.  

Correctional facilities are required to meet the special needs of Aboriginal and women offenders and individuals affected by FASD.  All require tailored programs and services. For example, reliable screening and diagnostic tools to identify and subsequently treat offenders with FASD as well as with mental health problems are needed. In addition, developing strategies that will reduce the harms associated with drug use, while taking account of the realities of prison operations, will require new approaches.  

To address these issues more efficiently, the correctional community will need to coordinate their efforts and build effective community partnerships. With 10 provincial, three territorial and one federal agency responsible for adult corrections and similar numbers for youth criminal justice, there is a great deal that can be achieved through effective coordination.  Areas identified as requiring greater coordination of effort and development include assessment, intervention and interdiction (keeping drugs out of prisons) and research.  Each of these areas requires research to ensure a strong evidence base for decision-making as well as sufficient resources. A priority area for investment is the development of a coordinating body to facilitate sharing of information and resources among the various correctional agencies. This is one of the means by which correctional agencies can work more efficiently within their own jurisdictions and nationally. 

Correctional agencies are also responsible for large numbers of offenders serving their sentences in the community; and for this reason, developing community partnerships is vital to addressing the needs of offenders.  The transition from institutions to community settings and an effective continuum of care is critical for effective reintegration of offenders. Community partnerships are needed, not only with agencies that traditionally serve the offender population, but also with those who provide assistance to the general community.  Through the development of partnerships, the various agencies can work towards the goals of reducing crime, making communities safer and reducing the negative impact of problematic substance use on families and communities. 

Update 

On June 15-16, 2005, Correctional Service Canada hosted a workshop National Thematic Workshop on Corrections to: 

• review issues and challenges related to treating substance abuse within the Canadian adult offender population both within custody and those subject to community supervision;  
• set priorities and directions for treating substance abuse within the Canadian adult offender population within custody and those subject to community supervision; and,  
• network and learn about the different approaches and initiatives used across jurisdictions -- federal, provincial and territorial.   

If your organization has an interest in exploring options to address Corrections issues contact the Secretariat.