A new training program is helping probation officers and youth workers strengthen rehabilitation services to their clients, says Environment, Labour and Justice Minister Janice Sherry.
“Our probation officers, youth workers and others who are in contact with those in conflict with the law play a vital role in helping them to rehabilitate and resume normal lives,” said Minister Sherry. “As the result of a specialized training program, they now have more tools at their disposal to strengthen community programs and help reduce the rate of reoffences.”
Prince Edward Island was one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to introduce the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision, or STICS program, and is the first province to fully implement it. The program was developed at the University of Ottawa in collaboration with Justice Canada, and has been endorsed by Canada’s Heads of Corrections.
The program provides training to help clients focus on problem solving, goal setting and addressing risk factors. Since it was introduced in Prince Edward Island two years ago, the number of people who have reoffended has dropped by 14 percent.
Darlene Dawson, manager of probation services with the department, says the training has helped her staff better deal with the underlying issues of clients. “There has been a significant change in the way probation officers deal with clients, with a shift from a case management approach to a change agent approach.” she said. “Our training has enabled us to take a more systematic approach to supervision and to more actively engage with clients.”
Dawson said that evidence-based research shows that a more collaborative approach leads to a reduction in recidivism.
“As a department, we are increasingly focussed on crime prevention initiatives and rehabilitation of offenders,” said Minister Sherry. “The safety and security of our communities is of utmost importance, and our probation services play a key role in helping to meet that goal.”