Reducing reoffending

BC Corrections continually develops and adopts new evidence-based approaches to support people who are under our supervision and in our care.

We offer behavioural, educational and work programs in custody and the community to help people gain new skills and improve their thinking, behaviour and interactions with others.

BC Corrections also offers many programs and interventions that help people target what led to their behaviours and help them to make meaningful, positive and lasting changes in their lives. 

Examples of programs and interventions include:

• The Essential Skills to Success program, which helps individuals develop employability and basic life skills, enhance their readiness for other programs, and support their pro-social engagement while under supervision or in our care.
• Cognitive behavioural programs that use a trauma-informed approach and target thinking patterns that lead to criminal behaviour.
• Educational and vocational courses and programs in correctional centres that provide a foundation of skills that help people successfully transition back into their communities.
• Right Living Communities in all 10 provincial correctional centres, modelled on the success of an innovative therapeutic community at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre called Guthrie.

Where possible, BC Corrections staff, health care staff and others service providers work to prepare individuals for release from custody by developing unique release plans that aim to establish a network of personal supports, as well as connect them to government and community-based services (e.g., recovery homes, shelters, social assistance), with particular attention given to those with mental health and/or substance use needs.

For those sentenced to community supervision, BC Corrections probation officers work closely with police and partner agencies to monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions. Probation officers in BC are extensively trained to use evidence-based skills and tools to help individuals under their supervision to alter the thinking and attitudes that drive their offending behaviours.

BC Corrections also leads and/or is a partner in multiple integrated programs with justice, health, social services, and other community partners to support vulnerable individuals and reduce reoffending.