The following is an extensive direction for preparing for parole. The who's, why's, where's and what's are all covered. Feel free to print it off and send it to your loved one. Make sure you give them plenty of time because there is a lot of ground to cover in order to prepare for a parole hearing.

Acronyms used in this document are as follows:

RP = Release Plan
CMT = Case Management Team
NPB = National Parole Board
CSC = Correctional Service Canada
OSL = Offender Security Level
ETA = Escorted Temporary Absence
UTA = Unescorted Temporary Absence
IPO = Institutional Parole Officer
CMOI = Case Management Officer
OSL = Offender Security Level
AA = Alcoholics Anonymous
NA = Narcotics Anonymous
JHS = John Howard Society
BIFA = Black Inmates and Friends
AVP = Alternatives To Violence
CCRA = Corrections and Conditional Release Act (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-44.6/text.html) (Click to view act)
ISO = Institutional Security Office





This has all been provided by Peter Collins, Inmate at Bath Correctional Institute, Ontario, Canada

Preparing for Parole

THE BASIC BEGINNING

We will break it up into 2 parts:

(1) The Release Plan - which will include only information relevant to your being in the community. For example where you will live, where you will work, your relapse prevention plan, etc.

(2) Supporting Background Information. - which will include your case management team, your current security levels, your past employment, etc and so on.

I can assure you the benefits will be significant and well worth your effort. For years people are going to be or have been closing doors on you - a good release plan will make it harder for those people to leave the doors locked. Keep focused on the future and remember that with each step of the plan you will be that much closer to release. Don't let the work put you off nothing worthwhile comes easy.

This is your job now, no one else will do it for you. Consider this your career and put some effort into it. Think about it, plan it discuss it with others. Encourage others to do theirs at the same time.

Complete the tasks in stages and soon it will be done.

1.a) Your total reintegration - release plan (RP) should detail the steps that you have taken to get out of prison and into the community. It is not unreasonable to cover a 10 year period if you are serving a long sentence or if you are a repeat prisoner. In this way decision makers in the system will see that you have given your situation serious thought and have begun to move toward a more thoughtful and responsible place in your life. In any event the RP should include the following:
• location for community reintegration, (release)
• community supporters, who they are, their roles, expectations and limitations,
• relapse and lapse prevention plan,
• employment goals & or options
• your understanding of your criminal cycles, (what brings you into conflict with the law)
• your educational plans, (school, course, cost etc)
• your counseling goals
• your program goals,
• your leisure / recreational activities, hobbies, and personal interests.
• a summary that includes realistic and positive insights about you and the changes you have made in your life. Why you are going to succeed if given the opportunity for release.
Your RP should include how you intend to stay clear of the cycles that contributed to your offences when you are released into the community. Some examples of recognized community support mechanisms are attending psychological counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous group activities, Volunteer work, Substance abuse programs, Anger Management programs - booster programs, effective time management, appropriate friends and positive leisure activities etc.

You need a RP and you should try to work in consultation with your Case Management Team (CMT), and community in-reach workers from John Howard Society or Life Line. The CMT's support is important, so you need to put some effort into working with them. If your CMT does not support you or don't want to work with you need to work even harder to prepare the most comprehensive plan you can make. The National Parole Board (NPB) will consider the effort and understanding you demonstrate about your situation.

CMT support generally hinges on public safety concerns as the priority and secondarily what they think of you in general. CMT support will be withheld if you have not followed your correctional treatment plan or if you have outstanding programs to complete.

CMT's prefer not to be the supportive decision makers who recommend a prisoners release for a variety of reasons. CMT's generally prefer to shuffle people down to lower security first and or await the deadline dates for mandatory release. This is one method some CMT's use to avoid the professional administration of their jobs and it is unfortunately quite common.

The reality is CMT's are overworked with heavy caseloads and paperwork demands created by a correctional bureaucracy this in turn creates a climate wherein overworked staff will find the easiest way to meet statutory obligations. One of the ways that this is done is CMT's recommend prisoners waive their parole hearings even though it is illegal for a CMT to make that recommendation.

Your release plan can increase your chance of support from both the CMT and the NPB.

2.a) In most cases you will need a Psychiatric Risk Assessment - The CSC will request you take part in this prior to any release recommendations from them. You can not be forced to participate in such an assessment, but the reality is that if you do not you will not be supported for release by your CMT and it will impact National Parole Board (NPB) decisions.

NOTE: If you feel you will not be interviewed fairly by the CSC psychiatrist you can request that an independent psychiatric assessment be done by a psychiatrist not affiliated with the justice system. If you can afford it you should also consider some counseling sessions with a psychologist with a view toward providing a meaningful report concerning the issues you worked through and progress you made working with the psychologist. It should be noted that CSC and NPB may reject the report from an independent assessment. Lastly you should be aware that CSC only likes their own assessments.

3.a) When you're parole eligibility dates approach you may consider the option of hiring a lawyer. If you have no support from your CMT a lawyer may be what you need at your hearing to keep your PO and NPB honest and civil. Legal Aid is an option.

4.a) If you have not finished all your recommended programming because your CMT could not or did not schedule your participation in time for your eligibility dates then you might want to discuss this with a lawyer. The fact is that your sentence was handed down by a judge and provided parole eligibility dates that should not be refused because the CSC is not providing programming in a timely fashion.

NOTE: It appears that CSC is consistently delinquent in providing programming for prisoners prior to their eligibility dates. So much so that it could be argued that this is a systemic practice designed specifically to hold prisoners longer.

5.a) If you feel your case is being mishandled by your CMT you will need to request an official review of your case file by Unit Management. This will consist of a Offender Security Level (OSL) and a dynamic balance of behavioral progress & time frames for progressive conditional release options. In a nutshell this means they will review your sentence and the things you have done while inside as well as what has been recorded about you by staff and when you are eligible for any release program.

BUILDING A STRATEGY:

Start planning as far in advance as possible. You can never start planning too early, no matter how long the sentence is. However, it is almost never too late to start, so if you have put it off for a long time don't worry yourself about it, just get down to the job of working at it now. Never give up or waive your right to a parole hearing.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Escorted Temporary Absence Pass (ETA).
• Unescorted Temporary Absence Pass (UTA).
• Day Parole.
• Full Parole.

You need to have a GOOD REASON for applying for passes & parole. Some examples are:

i) release into the community, ii) community support organization visit,

iii) halfway house interview, iv) job interview, v) family contact, vi) counseling.
Find something that ties into your release prospects and opportunities. It should be thoughtful, constructive and relevant. In most circumstances except for lifers not eligible for parole the decision to grant ETA's is the warden's authority. Lifer's applications go before a full blown NPB hearing.

PREPARE A BACKUP PLAN:

In the event that the something falls apart with your original plan you should try to have alternative options that you are able to add in. You need a plan both for yourself and the National Parole Board (NPB). Keep your family, friends and community contacts advised as to any developments in your case or release plan as they are your very important link to the community. Keep them up to date on the support you need from them.

Always keep photocopies of ALL relevant paper work. File them away - SAFELY ; even send them home to keep an alternate safeguard file. Keep track of everything you do: courses, programs, work reports, education evaluations, community supports, visits, relationships, letter writing, projects, group involvement, etc, and so on. Submit all of your paper work, even if your Institutional Parole Officer tells you it is not important. You have a responsibility to keep your files and their files up to date with the information that is relevant to your case. Request that your Institutional Parole Officer & COII place copies of relevant documentation on your file.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

RELEASE / REINTEGRATION PLAN BASIC OUTLINE:

Should include your name and current prison address at the top of the first page and on the bottom of each following page. I have developed a blank RP Notation Form that you can use to jot down information and thoughts. You can also use a note pad for rough work but when completed you should try your best top have it typed for submission presentation purposes.

OBJECTIVE:

Indicate what you are looking for; for instance:
1) To reach the least restrictive security setting;
2) To meet all requirements of the correctional plan;
3) To meet and be prepared for all the requirements of the National Parole Board
in order to be reintegrated into society in a timely and reasonable fashion.

Parole or ETA/UTA applications should include:

Destinations (full names, addresses, phone numbers), and the reasons for Temporary Absence (i.e. furthering family relations/community support, job interview, half-way house, furthering release plans, etc.)

DEPORTATION: (If this applies to you)

This only applies to those of us to whom deportation is an issue. The more leg-work you can get done with regard to returning to your country the better your chances are to be deported. For instance: Community support, family support, employment, housing, community contacts, job prospects, education & skills, living arrangements, financial support. Letters from supporters in your country confirming your stated situation will assist greatly.

HALF-WAY HOUSE:

When requesting residency in a halfway house on a day parole or a UTA you need to provide the halfway House name, address, phone number, contact name & title, support.

Contact the half-way house by letter and request an application and an interview. Prior to the interview send them a copy of your release plan. During the interview discuss your goals and ask them for their advice in improving you RP. Meeting with the house representatives will help them to put a face to your RP & letters. If they do offer some advice try to incorporate it to your RP and thank a few days later with a short note. In this way they will be more likely to support you when your Community Assessment is initiated by your CMT. Keep copies of all letters to the houses and their responses. It is completely reasonable to initiate contact early in your sentence and try to build some understanding about what they expect and cultivate their support.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

Consider who is capable and willing to support you. This includes everyone: family, friends, clergy, teachers, employers, friends without criminal records. Provide their names, addresses & phone number's. Explain to your supporters that their letters are important and very much needed. The letters need to that indicate how they can support you. For instance; financially, morally, a place of residence, employment, counseling, transportation, being a friend - whatever they are offering you in assistance upon your release. The letter should provide their insight about how they know you. The nature and strength of your relationship and how long they have known you. They should include their insight and understanding of the problems you have had and how they have seen you grow and change during your incarceration. They might consider including some comments about the conversations you have shared in regards to your understanding and evolution as a person during this period of incarceration and maturation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: a letter telling the NPB what a wonderful person you were and still are is not going to be considered of much value from the NPB's perspective. Significant insight is required.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PLAN:

Include the efforts you have put into securing employment for yourself out there. It may seem like there are few opportunities for someone in prison to do job search. Some of the methods that you can use are to ask friends and family if they can help with contacts that they may have. You can also send letters to Manpower or temporary employment organizations and community support groups regarding the type of employment opportunities you are looking for or may be available for you. Be clear about telling them that you are in prison and trying to turn your life around - ask for their support. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED BY REJECTION LETTERS.

If you already have a line on a job then it is imperative that you get a letter from the employer stating that they understand your situation and are willing to support you in this area. Describe the responsibilities of the job and what you feel you bring to the job. 1) Job Title, 2) Organization, 3) City , 4) name, 5) phone #, 6) address.

It is very important to be able to show the NPB and your CMT that you have been trying.
(Keep copies of all the letters you write and their responses)

EDUCATION GOALS:

Include your diploma, degree or certification goals. You should back this up with some information on:
a) Available Educational facilities to meet goals (in area(s) of release)
b) Prerequisites
c) Financial costs & support (bursaries, OSAP, scholarships, etc.)

If you plan on pursuing education in the community you should contact the institutional school guidance counselor and ask for some assistance picking schools in the area you will be released. Then write to the communities schools guidance counselor to ask about the programs they offer out there.
Letters from these community schools would be helpful. If you write to them and indicate that you are interested and wish to inquire about membership, dues, meeting times and location, bus schedules, etc. This will be very helpful toward demonstrating your sincere desire and interest to the CMT & NPB. (Keep copies of your letters to them and their responses.)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS:

It is important to maintain contact with community groups as they are a recognized link with the community. When the time comes it will be helpful to have had interaction with community and institutional in-reach workers. They can contribute in meaningful ways to your RP and eventual release goals. They have experience with the difficulties facing prisoners upon their release, so take advantage of their experience and advice. You can never have too much help.
Maintain contact throughout your sentence. PREPARATION IS THE KEY.

FREE TIME:

It is important to include how you plan to spend your free time. Some suggestions would be that you include positive social activities that will assist you in maintaining a crime free lifestyle. Some examples would be volunteer work, (Humane society, soup kitchens, etc) joining a health club, joining community team sports, jogging, hobbies, family time outings (museums, art centers, sporting events) walking the dog. Getting involved in community college courses in the activity that you enjoy like painting, carving, leather work, perhaps a gym membership, or joining a cycling club, or a walking club, tennis club, aerobics, etc. Letters from volunteer organizations, health clubs or gyms would be helpful. Write to them and indicate you're interest and inquire about membership, dues, meeting times and location, etc, this would be very helpful toward demonstrating your sincere desire and interest to the CMT & NPB.
(Keep copies of your letters to them and their responses.)

MEDICAL ISSUES:

In the event that there are medical concerns that play a part in your release management strategies, then you should consider some inclusion of these factors, and how you intend / hope to address them with your current release / reintegration plan. Some considerations would naturally be; is there a clinic / hospital / health care center in or near the community release site. You should consider the logistical factors such as public transportation availability etc.

LAPSE AND RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN:

One of the things that contribute to most criminal cycles is the lack of understanding and the lack of skills or meaningful preparation to deal with the factors that have led us or continue to lead us to commit crimes. The backslide usually occurs after someone has met with some problems or continued frustrations in or with relationships, employment, housing or financial status, etc. If the problem can't be solved adequately the slide begins and all the good intentions won't stop it ~ you need to have a prevention plan in place.
In these freedom threatening situations it appears that we are looking for some comfort and or resolution; a reward of sorts and some of us associate good feelings with things such as drugs, alcohol, quick money, material goods and / or sex.

These are very complex problems that are contributed to by such things as positive memories and chemical receptors in the brain. I'm not qualified to speak on this topic, but I do know that it takes awareness, and a lot of will power. You may benefit from counseling and or some other kind of professional intervention. You need to be in tune with yourself and have considerable understanding and a well thought out plan.

You should consider finding someone to talk to about what you see as contributing factors to your offending and develop a coping strategy. Only we can stop the cycle of setting ourselves up to fail. We need to get in tune with ourselves and understand what our motivators are and develop comprehensive strategies to deal with those problems. Include your understanding of this in your release plan.

SUMMARY:

Finally you want to wrap everything up in a few paragraphs. Remember to keep it short and to the point and with an overall positive flavor.

Write good stuff about yourself, and include your release goals. (Transfer/ release/ ETA / UTA...etc and so on..or whatever...) Share why you feel you deserve this opportunity. Summarize your accomplishments, share your personal growth and how it occurred and what changes it has made in you. What motivated you to change, etc. Include the way you plan to ensure you remain a law abiding member of the community. Refer to the support you have - the plans and goals you have etc.

STAY REALISTIC AND POSITIVE.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

SUPPORTING BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION:

This section is background information that decision makers will refer to when deciding what direction they feel your case is going to go. It is a good idea to try and ensure that as much information is on hand for them. It is in this area that you can also ensure that information that otherwise might not be readily available for decision makers is at hand.

CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM:

You should indicate who the staff are that are on your CMT.
1) IPO __________
2) CMOII __________
3) Unit Manager __________

ELIGIBILITY DATES:

You should indicate what your eligibility dates are.
Sentence Commence date:
UTA:__________ Day Parole:___________
ETA:__________ Full Parole:___________
Statutory release:__________ Warrant expiry:________

SECURITY LEVELS:

You should request your current offender security level (OSL) referral decision sheet from your PO - this document will provide you with the security level information that applies to you.
Institutional adjustment: _______________
Escape risk: _______________
Public safety: _______________

APPEALS AND OUTSTANDING CHARGES:

If you have any outstanding charges or appeals you should document them and indicate the status.
Obtain relevant files & documents.
Offer some relevant explanation about appeals or charges.

INVESTIGATIONS & SECURITY CONCERNS:

If there are IPSO reports you need to address them in as meaningful a way as is possible. The problem is that IPSO information is often unsubstantiated allegations received from unspecified sources. So addressing the information will be very difficult, but you need to put the effort into it. Try to keep to the facts as you know them, don = t blame and don = t express dissent about the unreasonableness of the information. Just try to outline the factual problems with the information and why they shouldn = t impact decisions about you. Try to obtain relevant files & documents.
If it is appropriate try to offer some explanation about the circumstances.

CORRECTIONAL PLAN:

Indicate what you have done to address your Correctional Plan. (This is a plan that Correctional Workers designed to address what they feel are your problems and how you can address them) Outline what programs you have finished and or when you will complete the ones outstanding. Indicate how you are addressing psychological or psychiatric recommendations. If you have been seeing a counselor, ask for a letter indicating the progress you have been making. If you have made arrangements to see a counselor upon release, indicate that. Obtain all previous psychological and psychiatric assessments and see what their recommendations are for you, and indicate how you have addressed them.
Programs completed:_____________
Programs required before transfer:______________
Programs required before release to community:______________
Programs required while in community:_______________
Psychology recommendations: ______________________

CYCLE OF OFFENSE(S):

Clearly indicate your understanding of your offense(s) how and why it happened; after all if you don't understand it, how can you address it? Take the time to explain the feelings around the remorse you feel. Address the issues which led to current & previous offense(s), i.e. substance abuse, emotional problems, criminal thinking, poor use of free time, few job skills or low education...etc.

NOTE: This requires sincere reflection on your part. Your understanding will make a difference. I have been doing a lot of work with guys inside over the years and a recurrent difficulty is when it comes to expressing our understanding about how we ended up in trouble. This may be due in part to personal self preservation, prison is not a place that encourages or rewards self reflection, most of us are simply trying to survive the experience. The fact is that after a year or so in any prison people come to feel themselves the victim. This perspective is valid in the sense that prison does victimize people in many ways, however for our purpose you need to step away from your own feelings of victimization and look at how your behavior has victimized others.

You should not spend any of this time blaming others for your situation. When you feel ready, it would be a good idea to have someone ask you questions about your crime(s) and how you feel about it, and what you think the effect was on the victim(s) and the community. You should consider answering the question: why should we (NPB) let you out? There is a list of questions at the back of this book that will give you an idea about what to expect and will help your assistant in formulating questions. If you can, it would be a great idea to record the questions and the answers and listen to yourself and how you answer.

HOBBIES AND FREE TIME:

Spend some time detailing what you do in your free time and how you plan to keep doing positive recreational activities.

VOLUNTEER WORK:

It would be worthwhile to keep a record of any of the voluntary work you do during your incarceration. This could include helping the inmate committee to run sports events, or social activities. It could also include assisting outside agencies who organize events or seminars in the prison. For instance; Lifeline or John Howard Society, PASAN or Universities, etc. It could also include fund-raising work through hobby craft or donations. You should consider requesting letters of acknowledgment for your efforts, and you should keep the copies of those letters.

You could also consider doing volunteer work on your release - think about it, sometimes helping others not only helps others but is a great way to help yourself.

GROUP PARTICIPATION:

Include your institutional involvement in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Lifers, French, John Howard Society (JHS), Elizabeth Fry (E Fry), Native Brotherhood, Native Sisterhood, Black Inmates and Friends (BIFA), Toastmasters, Alternatives To Violence (AVP).

Include the groups you will continue to be involved in when you return to the community. Letters from these community organizations would be helpful. If you write to them and indicate that you are interested and wish to inquire about membership, dues, meeting times and location, etc. This would be helpful toward demonstrating your sincere desire and interest to the CMT & NPB.
(Keep copies of your letters to them and their responses.)

EDUCATION:

Detail what grade or level you have acquired and what you have done to upgrade while in prison.
School Name___________Highest level completed:_________ Year:____________

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

A lot of times when I come to this section people inside find it difficult to think of themselves as having skills. (I'm not referring to the people who may have something like their mechanics license, Ph.D., welding ticket, or barbering ticket) I am speaking about those of us who have never had the opportunity to develop a recognized career. As a result we often downplay our experiences because we feel that if we don't have license in some field that means we are not qualified. I want to say that it may mean we are not recognized experts, but we do have valuable experience .

Approach the task of filling this section out with a review of ALL the things you have done both inside and out. If you worked for a while roofing write it down and under it try to remember all the different things you did and learnt while doing that. If you worked on a farm or an auto body shop write it down and underneath indicate all the things you learnt and did. If you worked in the kitchen or the paint shop or the wood shop in the prison this counts as experience. If you were a cleaner on the range or whatever jobs you have done - document the experience and introduce it on your behalf in your RP.
1) Recognized training,
2) Diplomas & degrees,
3) Experience,
4) Personal acquisition of skills >> for example, computers, tools, mechanics, health, cleaning, education, photography, art, cooking, music fitness >> whatever.

EMPLOYMENT IN PRISON:

Write down what jobs you did while inside and include:
1) Job Title, 2) Years Employed, 3) Shop Name, 4) Institution

Describe what your responsibilities were and if appropriate what you accomplished. It would be a good idea to request a letter from the supervisor indicating what you were like to work with. Sometimes staff don't like to write good things about prisoners (apparently it can be frowned upon by other staff). My suggestion is that you approach it with some sensitivity. Perhaps explain the things you have been doing regarding your RP and engage them in dialogue about it. Ask for advice and when you feel they would be receptive ask them if they would write a letter on your behalf.

If they won't do this for you it will be necessary to consider the next best course of action. Positive work evaluations speak for themselves and that may be the best you can hope for. Writing letters or complaints will probably damage your status in the work place. So do some careful thought before you complain about the lack of support. Sometimes a supervisor may be willing to provide a verbal reference. Ask them what they would say or ask them to focus on your particular skills that will be relevant to the new job.

PAST EMPLOYMENT IN COMMUNITY:

Write down the kind of job(s) you had out there: 1) Job Title, 2) Year, 3) Company, 4) City, 5) Contact name, 6) Phone # , 7) Address

Consider describing your past responsibilities and accomplishments. You might even consider writing to your ex-boss (s) and explain where you are and what you are doing and ask for a letter of support.

I again underline the fact that you need to come up with the most comprehensive Release ~ Reintegration Plan that you can - the more leg work you do the more bases you cover the better your chances are.


Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

CSC GENERAL INFORMATION USE:

The following pages try to break down the manner in which the CSC & NPB collect, evaluate, and use information. It is a very complex and I may not be able to make it easier to understand. The correctional system has a very fluid system of information management and it is very difficult to count on it being applied evenly from case to case - for a wide variety of reasons that needn't be articulated.

INFORMATION STANDARDS:

The information in your file is critical to the outcome of your sentence & release. If the NPB feels they can not assess the risk you present because of missing information there will be delays in your hearing. This could mean they feel you A self reported @ too much (without back up proof) or your release plan is not as complete as they feel it should be. i.e. missing information such as confirmation of accommodation or your CMT hasn = t provided an adequate community assessment. The NPB will then either direct the CSC to provide the information before their decision is rendered or postpone the hearing/review or adjourn the review if the information will be available within two months, or deny the application and tell the CSC and you that your case will be reconsidered after the needed information is received.

PROGRESS SUMMARY REPORT:

This is a 7 page document produced by your Institutional Parole Officer and generally relies on all the negative milestones and aspects about you & your case. Under Section 24 of the CCRA you are able to file an attempt to correct erroneous material within this (AND ANY) report. When you do try to correct information you should;

Try to provide accurate and positive information.

Try to correct false information. i.e; unfair information, inaccurate information, incidents that you were not charged with, charges you were found NOT GUILTY of, unreliable information.

NOTE: you are entitled to place your version of the event in writing in the CSC & NPB files, but you should be very clear and concise - as hard as it may be, resist the tendency to be petty or negative when placing rebuttals to file information. If they refuse to correct or post your version of events you need to complain to the Privacy Commissioner.

Ask someone who is knowledgeable and willing to help if you need it, but remember stay positive and polite in whatever written & verbal interaction you have. Remind your P.O. and the NPB (if you are a Lifer) that Lifer's have the lowest rate of recidivism.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS:

These professional reports never cease to be important in the eyes of the system and therefore you need to take these assessments very seriously, so don't go into it blind.

Professional assessments by psychologists and psychiatrists are used to provide information about your mental status, behavioral characteristics and risk factors that the NPB will use in their assessment of the risk that you present. Consideration of these assessments is just one of the elements of a very comprehensive analysis Board members perform when reviewing your case.
Psychologists are supposed to provide a range of services including assessment, therapeutic intervention, crisis intervention and program development, delivery and evaluation. In reality if you are not convicted of a sex crime there is little to no therapeutic intervention or program development and delivery at the institutional level (I suppose the assertion that there is meaningful intervention looks good on paper). Apparently the rationale behind disproportionate programing is due to the social standing of most sex offenders. It appears that in most cases the sex offender is a person who generally does not exhibit any other criminal tendencies and is more amenable/compliant to programing. They are generally a quiet and malleable prisoner.

The primary role of psychiatrists is the diagnosis of mental illness and the treatment of the acutely and sub-acutely mentally ill. On a personal note I don't know how effective they are - I have met with people who were experiencing different levels of emotional / mental crisis and the feed back I received about the mental healthcare service was varied. I do however recommend that you do your best not to have a mental breakdown while in the prison system. I know this seems unreasonable to recommend but never the less do your best not to have a break down

INTAKE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS:

As of 1995, psychological assessments are required upon imprisonment. They attempt to identify criminogenic factors and develop correctional treatment plans for prisoners meeting any of a wide variety of criteria. Anyone sentenced before 1995 was not subject to these assessments and since may not have received a psychological assessment addressing any such problems during their incarceration. Before you see the NPB you will be sent in for a pre-release assessment if it is required.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS:

Psychological assessments may be performed at several points of your sentence. The need for a psychological assessment will be determined (in theory) by your behavior characteristics, criminal history, and your offence.

PRE-RELEASE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS:

Assessments will not normally be required for prisoners who are eligible for accelerated parole review. Mandatory referral criteria for all other prisoners include persistent violence, gratuitous violence, referrals for detention, conditional release reviews for prisoners with indeterminate or life sentences, high risk sex offenders - those with two or more sexually related convictions; untreated or drop out of treatment programs; deviant arousal from phallometry (paraphilia); use of a weapon.

Your last psychological assessment will not be considered current unless it has been completed in the last 2 years, or if you completed a program. An assessment will be done to evaluate the influence the program had on you and the risk posed by you. This post-treatment report can be completed by a psychologist, case management officer or program officer, if the issues of extent of change and risk are specifically addressed.

Following the completion of (intensive or intermediate) treatment delivered or recommended by a psychologist the NPB will require a post-treatment assessment completed by a psychologist or certified treatment professional. If after two years you have not participated in any such programming, subsequent assessments may be updates of the initial pre-release assessment. A more recent assessment will be required if your institutional behavior has resulted in charges related to violent behavior.

PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS:

At least one psychiatric assessment is required for anyone with a life or indeterminate sentence. This may be through an assessment completed for the courts. Since psychiatric assessments address mental illness or disorder and mental capacity such assessments will provide information to CSC on intervention strategies which are needed. Reports are required on the results of any psychiatric treatment interventions with respect to any impact on the risk presented by you.

A new psychiatric assessment is required for anyone with a life minimum or indeterminate sentence when they first apply for any type of conditional release other than a medical or compassionate escorted temporary absence. In the case of someone assessed as mentally disordered and requiring treatment, this pre-release psychiatric assessment will be considered current until you participate in the recommended treatment. Another psychiatric assessment is not required for anyone who does not meet these criteria. A psychiatric assessment will be requested for a prisoner when recommended by a psychologist.

When a mental health condition requires medication or professional intervention to reduce the risk posed by you is identified and you are considered non-compliant a further report will not be required. The NPB will be informed when you are taking medication that modifies behavior. Information will be included about the effect of the medication and your attitude in regards to continuing use of the medication and the possible changes in the risk posed if you stop taking the medication.

EXCEPTIONS:

In exceptional cases, the NPB can ask for a new psychological or psychiatric assessment for someone if they feel it is required. This can happen if there are conflicting assessments on your file or when specific information on the file leads the board members to believe such an assessment is needed for decision-making purposes. Board members will give written reasons for making the request to identify the cause of their concern. In rare instances board members may ask the Correctional Service of Canada to obtain a report from an independent external professional. Board members will give written reasons whenever outside professional reports are requested.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

THE NPB WILL CONSIDER:

REPRESENTATION:

Representations from aboriginal communities and from ethno-cultural minority groups. The NPB will consider the importance those communities or groups bring to bear on your release plan as well as their influence on your risk of re-offending and your reintegration potential / risk management on release.

INSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR:

The NPB considers the facts of your case and any evidence of change in you particularly your efforts to deal with your risk factors. They also consider information from correctional authorities and others, about what they feel is evidence of positive changes in your attitudes and behavior - as a result of incarceration.

It really is a very questionable system of evaluation when you consider that they actually think you will become a better person as a result of being in prison and hold it against you if you can't demonstrate that you have improved. Somehow prison officials have drifted away from understanding that prison is mainly a place of human suffering and into a fantasy world wherein they hold the belief that prison will be beneficial to the prisoner. The concept is as inexplicable as it is ignorant. As gardeners we would never try to grow flowers in dark closets and then hold it against the plant for not flourishing under those conditions. Plainly people suffocate under prison conditions. A lawyer once told me that the system is simply not interested in seeing that you are a good person it is simply interested in you being a good prisoner. Essentially this means that they do not want you to complain when they treat you unfairly and don't want you to make too much paper work for them and be co-operative even at the expense of self respect & dignity. Each institution has its own attitude and this is something that prisoners need to be very aware and wary of.

All rational thinking aside the belief that prison is good for people is currently a belief held by correctional personnel, administrators, government officials, and some completely misguided criminologists. So for what it is worth you really do need to try to address the concerns that they have identified in your case. In actuality there is often validity to the concerns they have and even if they address it improperly you should consider changing what you can see needs changing.

RISK/NEEDS:

The NPB will review your files to find risk factors and the nature of your offence(s) as well as other factors identified in court or legal reports. They will review your criminal and social history in depth including all family relationships as well as information from prison authorities. They will consider the role of alcohol and/or drugs in your criminal history. This includes gang affiliations, anti-social behavior, attitudes and associates and indifference to the criminal behavior and its impact on the victim(s). Previous breaches of supervision conditions and performance on any conditional release programs and especially any history of being at large without authorization or escape attempts will be big issues. Any indications of violence or abuse of family or people close to you or who may be otherwise vulnerable will be considered. Included in the assessment will be employment information relating to performance and behavior while under any prior sentence. They will also consider any benefit resulting from your participation in treatment programs and subsequent behavior, and your mental health status as it affects the likelihood of future criminal acts.

They will consider the reasons and recommendations of the sentencing judge and any other information from the trial or the sentencing hearing. Also Victim Impact Statements given to Crown Attorneys, police reports, or information provided by victims or their families. They will review information from provincial authorities including young offender information and any information from school and from community contacts and family members as well as psychological and/or psychiatric assessments. The requirements for such professional assessments are detailed in the policy on psychological and psychiatric assessments and ratings on the SIR scale (general statistical information about the risk of re-offending for a group of similar offenders) or other predictive risk assessment tools.

ENDURING CHANGE:

Professional reports attempt to assess the benefits you have had from participation in psychological and/or psychiatric treatment programs. They will try to measure changes in anti-social attitudes and behaviors and personality factors such as your level of development, emotional and intellectual maturity, impassivity, self-regulation and problem-solving skills. If a qualified person has identified something that they feel contributed to your offence the NPB will need to see that you have benefitted from programs. Institutional behavior will be considered in particular violent incidents and information regarding involvement in criminal activities. They will look for enduring changes in your behavior or attitudes that contribute to a reduction or increase in the risk they feel you pose. They will consider your friends and associates. They will consider information from you that demonstrates your commitment to (and evidence of) change. They will be looking for your insight into your criminal behavior and the factors and gravity of the offence. They will consider your acceptance of responsibility, your understanding of crime cycle indicators and relapse-prevention and risk management skills.

ATTENTION: You need to be aware that the CSC does not observe or follow rules of procedural fairness and will not hesitate to imply you are involved in negative activities, relying upon allegations that are often baseless. An NPB decision not to grant a release can result from their assessment that the risk you pose by being in the community is too great.

RELEASE PLAN:

When the NPB feel your risk has been reduced enough to justify some type of conditional release they will consider the type of release you have applied for (and only the type of release you applied for). Your long-term plan should address the identified needs and risk factors in your case. The details of your plan should be confirmed and should include:
• place of residence,
• bed space if you are going to a halfway house,
• program or treatment availability,
• programming or other interventions that may be started or continued in the community,
• employment or training arrangements, etc,
• community support letters, (from family & community support groups)
• detailed relapse prevention plan,
• detailed lapse contingency plan,
and whatever else needs to be in your Release / Reintegration Plan.

Try to leave no detail from your plan. It should include how you are going to deal with factors that increase your risk of re-offending in the release environment. Protection of society is the NPB's paramount consideration in the decision on every case. Therefore, you need to realistically consider the type of release and the community to which you are applying to be released into. Community input will be obtained from the police, your family or sponsors, and from victims, as well as community religious and spiritual leaders. In most cases police do not appear to support the release of a prisoner.

Following a review of the information they consider relevant the NPB members will make their decision. Following the review the NPB members will make their decision known in person but occasionally the hearing may be adjourned and the decision delayed. If the review is by way of a hearing you are supposed to be informed of the decision of the NPB members. If it is a written decision it is supposed to be provided as soon as possible . (Whatever that means - they do not specify a time frame)

DECISION SHEET:

The decision sheet is the official record of the NPB's decision and the reasons for the decision. In the event of a split decision, the views of the diverging NPB member must be documented as part of the reasons.

REASONS FOR NPB DECISION:

NPB members must summarize, in language that is clear, concise and understandable , their overall assessment and evaluation of the risk presented by you. The summary must include an analytical statement of the major case specific factors including the needs or other risk factors and areas that they have identified as requiring intervention by you and whether there has been benefit to or evidence of change in you which could reduce your risk to the community. If the Board members believe there has been sufficient reduction of risk to justify a release they will complete an analysis and evaluation community management strategies that will be used during your supervision period. They will provide a concluding assessment document of the risk presented by you. The reasons for the decision should not make reference to personal information about a third party.

PAROLE & SENTENCES IN GENERAL:
YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE PAROLE BOARD:

You have a statutory (legal) right to a hearing and you should always take advantage of that right assuming you have prepared as well as possible. Even in the worst case scenario such as you are not supported by your CMT you have the opportunity to present your case and the right to be told why not from the Parole Board Members. This is very valuable information and it will allow you to take the appropriate steps to meet the requirements the Board feels need to be met prior to your release. This is very important. It may very well be the only accurate information you get from the system. Do not underestimate the value of being told why the NPB don't want to let you out at this time.

Your Institutional Parole Officer / Institutional Caseworker may advise you to waive a hearing but it is my advice that you do not blindly follow that direction . If you are not properly prepared then you should request a hearing postponement and then put your heart and soul into completing the release plan. I am not saying that they are all out to jam it to you. I am simply saying that at the end of the day it will be you who spends more time in prison if you do not apply for a parole. (It's your call) If you have put together a comprehensive Reintegration Release Plan and you have done your best then you should go before the Board.

Parole officers often tell prisoners to waive their hearings if they have not completed their recommended programs. The problem with this is that the CSC regularly do not schedule programs for prisoners after they have reached their day parole dates. Essentially what the CSC is doing in these cases is overruling the sentencing judges recommendations. The sentence you received took into account day and full parole eligibility and those dates hinge upon what you have done to address your need areas and not on synthetic CSC scheduling delays. Do not allow this to interfere with your application for parole. Simply request that the programs be completed in the community.
ATTENTION: The problem with going to the Board without being properly prepared is that if you are turned down the Board does not have to see you again for 2 years unless there is significant change in your case. Changes in your case would be new community support, program completion with good results, or some other such important case landmark. So be sure you have done your homework and be as well prepared as you possibly can. The difference between something that has been carefully thought out and prepared verses something that has been thrown together at the last minute is very easy to see. It will reflect upon how seriously you are taking your life and your responsibilities. Do not underestimate this reality.

If you do elect to go through with a NPB hearing you need to be aware of your attitude; it is what drives your behavior. If you try to maintain a positive attitude you will have a better chance to perform well at the hearing. Aside from preparing your paperwork, get a good nights sleep before the hearing, eat a nutritious breakfast and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. Be on time! Make an effort to arrive looking like you should be released (not your old sweatshirt and pants).

PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS:

Read all the official documents you can get your hands on, i.e.
Correctional & Conditional Release Act (CCRA)
Correctional & Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR)
National Parole Board Guidelines
Case Management Manuals
Commissioners Directives

Anything you can read regarding correctional laws, rules & guidelines will aid you. Check out your prison library by law they (CSC) should have all the required contributions to your research reading. If you are having trouble understanding the text SEEK HELP! Ask a friend to go through it with you; maybe you could prepare your plans together. Two heads are better than one. Ask a family member to check on the Internet or the public library for information there are lots of resources out there.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Be realistic and fair to yourself you are in prison you could use some help! You may be surprised how many people are willing to help someone who is trying to help themselves. There are a lot of untapped resources in prison, a lot of prisoners have skills in areas that can help you and a lot of guys are willing to help so take the risk and ask for advice or assistance.


Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

BEFORE YOUR PAROLE HEARING:

Send a letter to the National Parole Board asking if there is any CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION being used at your hearing.

Under the Golf vs NPB judicial decision you are entitled to disclosure. If they are holding back information they must give it up on your request. If they do not provide you with it you can bring the issue to Federal Court. In the end the information usually comes from the Institutional Security Office (ISO) and they are notorious for collecting and using unsubstantiated intelligence information to a prisoners detriment. Even requests for disclosure end up as a Gist and it is usually unsubstantial and vague.

DISCLOSURE:

Get a copy of your Parole Board File. This file is more important than your CSC files. Ask for full disclosure under section 141 of the CCRA. See your committee / legal clerk / librarian for direction on applying for your files. Get your CSC files and your NPB file - here are some bank numbers:

PRIVACY ACT FILES:

Case Management CSC-PPU 042
CSC PPU 040
CSC PPU 030
CSC PPU 035
Discipline & Dissociation CSC PPU 045
Offender information CSC P-PU-115
Employment CSC PPU055
Education & training CSC PPU 050
Psychology CSC PPU 070
Sentence Administration CSC PPU 075
Parole case file NPB PPU 005
Immigration IRB PPU 140
Citizenship & Immigration EIC PPU 230
EIC PPU 225

These files will help you find out what they are saying about you and assist you in addressing recommendations and making corrections. After you know what is going to be used against you can begin fine tuning your strategy.

Six (6) months before your eligibility date file a parole plan (pink form) with your Institutional Parole Officer and the Parole Board. They need to do a Community Assessment now called a Community Strategy. Make sure you get a prompt reply and if you have not heard back in 7 to 10 days, follow up with another form and a letter asking about the delay. Look for a written acknowledgment This is your receipt!

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

PLANNING AHEAD

YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

Residence (Halfway house)
1) Residence: Private home placement is a possibility. Consider dialoging with someone in the community and ask if they will turn their house into a halfway house for you - obviously you would have to provide them with full access to your case files, criminal history and the rules of half way houses so they can make an informed decision. This is utilized a lot in Quebec. Try it here in Ontario! note: It cannot be a family member.
2) A job or job training prospects.
3) Community support, in the form of letters - from potential employers, educators, chaplains, program facilitators, counselors, etc. Letters from family members who detail the changes in you.
4) Get Parole Board tapes and watch them, or listen to them. You should also watch the TV shows about parole boards even if the show is from a different country. The interaction is what you should be looking for and try putting yourself in their spot as board members and ask yourself: has this person changed? are they a good risk? would I let that person out? Try and learn from that experience because someone will be asking that question about you. If you can set up a mock parole hearing where people can grill you about your case this would be very helpful to you. If you have never been to a hearing see if a friend can get copies you can watch or listen to. You can ask for these tapes from the National Parole Board under the PRIVACY ACT. It can help:
• calm you down before a hearing,
• prepare you before a hearing,
• you to not lose control during a hearing,
If you are serving a definite sentence you will be seen by a two person panel.
If you are serving a life sentence, you will be reviewed by a three person panel.

One of the Board Members will often be the attacker. They will disconcert you and try to rile you up - don't let them. It is not personal they are trying to evaluate whether you are safe to be out in the community. How you deal with problems, what happens when the sailing gets rough. They need to know these things and they may feel the need to gauge you in this regard.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS:

Invite as many as will come. This type of visible community support is very valuable. But make sure you don't have a circus! Your people should present themselves well both in appearance and attitude. (Use common sense; Don't invite street buddies with criminal records, etc.)

EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT LETTERS:

A person (family, friend, volunteer) who wishes to support you can do so by writing a letter that includes;
• Who they are,
• How long they have known you,
• What understanding they have of your crimes and the troubles that led to them,
• What support they have offered while you have been inside, (i.e.: letters, visits, phone calls -emotional support and encouragement)
• What changes they have seen in you, (i.e.: personal growth, insight into your problems, commitment to change)
• What support they are willing and able to offer you upon your release, (i.e.: Emotional support, financial support, employment, housing, transportation, assistance with finding employment, assistance with finding and or attending counseling)
• a personal endorsement regarding their opinion of, and commitment to you.
It goes without saying that this letter should be well thought out and insightful. I recommend that you sit down and discuss the letter and share it with each other prior to giving the final draft to the parole board. In this way you can ensure that the letter includes all the required information to enable the NPB to see that you have a good support base.
The more support you have the more impact this will have on the board. (So encourage your people to weigh in on this effort. It is VERY IMPORTANT!

PAROLE ASSISTANT:

Under section 140 of the CCRA, you are entitled to have someone there to help you. But they can not present your case, you must speak on your own behalf. The Parole assistant may make a small contribution at the end of the hearing. In some cases you can have 2 assistants, but only one has the right to speak on your behalf. However, the other may be allowed to make a presentation.
• Aboriginals may have Elder assisted hearings.
• The NPB must allow them to talk according to law.
• It is discretionary whether they listen to a third party.
• THEY MUST LISTEN TO YOUR PAROLE ASSISTANT.
• If there is a legal problem you might consider getting a lawyer.
• Remember that victims may be present at your hearing. They may be allowed to speak at your hearing, and they are also allowed to send letters to the NPB.

NPB HEARING EXHIBITS:

Most board members have not seen what you have done while inside. Save all documents and papers that confirm your positive activities while under sentence. Send photocopies of exhibits to the NPB members. Send these documents out as early as possible. AT THE VERY LEAST A WEEK BEFORE YOUR HEARING, BUT MUCH SOONER IF POSSIBLE! Bring copies of your exhibits with you, they can help pull your thoughts together and;
• Show that you are organized.
• Show that you can accomplish positive things.
• Help to calm you down.

PREPARING TO SPEAK TO THE NPB:

Because you want to introduce yourself and your case in the best possible light you should put considerable effort into crafting an informative, yet brief introduction. The more personal and honest this sharing is the better. Obviously you don't want to come off as a slick and polished con man either. Unfortunately, for most people a parole hearing is a very stressful experience, and stress can become a formidable goal crushing enemy that prevents one from making our best possible presentation.

PREPARING YOUR OPENING STATEMENT.

To be as effective as possible when you present yourself to the board, you should be sure that your statement is well structured. I know that most of us are not speech writers and this is a daunting task. However, if you follow this 3 step plan you can be more effective.
1) First, write the speeches conclusion and include a powerful & positive message.
2) Second, put together the body of the statement, including facts.
3) Finally, devise an introduction that will get the boards attention.
Now practice it until you feel comfortable speaking it >>NOT READING IT!!

The NPB must look forward to meeting someone who is putting their best effort into receiving parole and being a successful person upon release. So try to bring a positive attitude with you into the hearing, this will help to promote an image of energy and commitment. Here are a few tips that may help you in the hearing:
• Pay attention to your body language. Try not to tap your toes / feet or fiddle with your fingers or a pen - if you notice yourself doing so, try to stop, and if it is appropriate explain the tapping or fidgeting as a reaction to your nervousness at being before the board. (It is, after all, natural to be nervous on such an important day)
• Never criticize the NPB, the CSC or individuals in the NPB or CSC or any part of the justice system. If you need to impart some information that points towards someone having handled something in your case improperly (or whatever) do so without any derogatory comments or personal slurs.
• Learn to accept criticism as gracefully as possible. If something comes up in the hearing that sounds critical of you, accept it with thanks. You could even indicate that you will consider the insight and feel that it is helpful advice that will be useful in the future.
• Keep a positive attitude about the hearing and your future from the beginning to the end. You will have some control over maintaining the positive atmosphere. Even when you are asked to explain a failure, weakness, risk factor, or negative experience you can always finish your answer on a positive note by sharing the lesson you learnt and or strategies you now have to improve on such situations.
• Maintain an attitude of tolerance, willingness and flexibility. Remain open to accepting and participating in the process as it develops.
• If you are asked a question rudely you need to assume the question was accidently phrased poorly. Put your negative reaction aside and try to focus on the question.
• Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident way.
• Sit straight, and lean slightly forward (this shows openness and interest)
• Listen to what the board members say and pay attention to how they are responding to you.
• You can make friendly observations about your surroundings if it seems appropriate.
• Communicate positive information about yourself - this is your responsibility.
• Toward the end of the hearing they may ask you if you have any questions. If this happens take the opportunity to say, before I ask my first question I would like to touch on some key points that were not discussed in the hearing. (If there was something you felt was missed.)

You could try to come up with an interesting sentence that will capture their attention during your introduction. Then move towards sharing a significant personal experience that illustrate the changes you have gone through as a person. Explain your understanding and remorse about the impact and trauma your offence had on others. Share some of the steps and safeguards (lapse and relapse plans) you are putting in place to ensure that you do not fall back into the same cycle of behaviors & circumstances that contributed to your conviction. You might consider sharing your aspirations & ambitions as well as briefly touching on how you intend to accomplish them.

Remember that in essence you are demonstrating that as a fellow human being who has made mistakes you are working hard at changing the direction of your life. Express that you are honestly trying to move forward and are asking for their recognition and support of your efforts. You need to try and warm the relationship between the board members and yourself. However giving them too much information may only confuse issues so remember to stay brief as well as informative. Keep it short, as well as complete. Sometimes speaking can be more effective if you stick to 3 or 4 main points and emphasize them with examples, anecdotes or brief stories. (For instance indicate what you learnt from the anger management courses by illustrating how you used to feel and react to problems and how you manage them now with your new skills and understanding)
A couple of suggestions for formulating your statement:
• Emphasize your strong points.
• Acknowledge and own your mistakes.
• Let the board get to know you (the real you - not the file you).
• Properly prepare yourself - it will show if you haven't.
• Practice speaking clearly and audibly.
• Have an opening, middle and conclusion.

Once you have organized your thoughts and compiled the information you wish to share in the statement you need to practice it as if you were speaking to friends. When you feel ready you should to practice your statement with a friend or with any one who will listen and give credible feedback.

A tried and true method of speech writing is to work it all out in full, then break it down into sections, with a key word for each section. Then write out the key words on the 3x5" cards. Try not to just read your opening statement from notes. You can refer to the notes but DO NOT read it all out and then sit down.

Practice the speech and SPEAK TO THEM. During the speech you should look them in the eye, move from board member to board member and try to ensure that you have eye contact at least several times. Maintain soft eye contact (Don't glare) and try to remain pleasant; you need to represent yourself well at this hearing.

Practice will help prepare you for the incredibly hard job of presenting yourself to a critical audience! If you have a tape recorder at your disposal you should record your statements and play them back and look for weaknesses and places you can improve. The following are a couple more brief tips on presenting yourself well.

Begin by facing the board and taking a deep breathe then saying something like: Hello, my name is ______and I would like to thank the board for allowing me this opportunity to present my case.

While you are saying this you need to look directly at one member of the board and maintain eye contact for a few seconds then looking at another so no one feels left out of your talk.
• Be well groomed and dressed appropriately (First impressions count!).
• Memorize the points.
• Maintain some soft eye contact (don't angrily glare).
• Share significant personal awakenings and experiences that generated change in you.
• Focus on the positives in your case but always be realistic.
• Speak clearly and with enough volume to be heard.
• Keep it personal.
• DO NOT BLAME OTHERS. Never blame others.
• Relax! Nervousness is normal.

It is truly the sign of a matured person who does not spend their time looking back and assigning blame. Whenever we look back and blame others we are focusing on the negative and nothing good can come of it. You need to look forward toward your future, yes things have not gone well in the past but the mature person will look at that, learn from it and say: I need to move forward.
During the hearing you can count on being asked open ended questions that begin with something like Tell us about a time . . . or describe one of your experiences . . . . Some people recommend that you do not volunteer too much during any answer. I'm not certain that there is any right answer in this case.

You need to assess your ability to help or harm yourself the more you speak. When you are comfortable in knowing the answer to that question you will know what to do when asked open ended questions. However you also need to keep in mind that communicating information about yourself is your responsibility. If you make the NPB drag every answer out of you they may not appreciate the exercise. On the other hand do not talk too much and try to pay attention to the cues given to you by the NPB members.

CLOSING STATEMENT TO THE NPB:

Take advantage of the opportunity to have a last word! Do not waive this chance. Prepare yourself and then make your presentation to the Board. You can do it! Just practice it and then speak to them. Like you they are human beings and realize how difficult this is for you. The effort you put into helping yourself will be seen and most likely taken into consideration. Focus on the positives. The hearing may have been tough and they focused on a lot of negative stuff. This is natural and you need to recognize that they have a job to do and that their concerns are real. You need to be able to look at your case realistically and learn to respond in a positive fashion. Put emphasis on turning strikes against you into positive learning and growing experiences. For example; As a result of your crime / offence / personal trauma's / life experiences, etc, you have learnt from it, grown and gained insights. Share some of the personal growth and insights that have come from self reflection, maturation and the time spent inside.
Thank them for considering your presentation.

HOW TO HANDLE AN AGGRESSIVE NPB MEMBER:

You must be prepared for this eventuality. This can not be stressed enough. The NPB has a mandate to evaluate your ability to deal with difficulties, set backs and disappointment. They want to know how effective your coping strategies are. Some suggestions to slow the hearing are:
• Asking for a drink of water.
• Asking for a moment to speak to your assistant.
• Asking for a moment to write down your thoughts. (Bring pen & paper)

There is no place for you to lose it so Stay calm no matter how poorly things go for you.
They will try to bait you. This is a method of detecting weaknesses in your anger management and to test what you have really learnt. This is no trick it is a tried and true method of ascertaining your level of self control. Don't allow the weight of the hearing to throw you off balance. Stay calm and stay rational and demonstrate your ability to negotiate rough waters. If it gets too rough, you can pleasantly say you don't mean to be rude, but would like to know why they are being so aggressive towards you. Your assistant can ask why they are being so insulting or harassing, etc. In this type of atmosphere you might consider not giving really long explanations or answers as:
• You may only end up giving more ammunition to the Attacker.
• Yes and no answers might be appropriate.

You need to remain helpful and thoughtful during this process no matter how hard it is on you.
Your Parole Assistant can also run interference i.e.; I need a moment to confer with my client.
If you have an attorney present the NPB is less likely to go into Attack Mode.

REGARDING NPB APPLICATIONS & HEARINGS:

NEVER waive your opportunity for a hearing unless you are completely unprepared and feel you can't make a good presentation. This holds true even if your P.O. is not supporting you or is trying to discourage you. Take the opportunity to have a hearing even if it only helps you determine what you should do in the next two years to prepare for your next hearing.

Do Not Waive Your Right to a parole hearing due to a transfer application because they are two separate issues.
• The parole hearing is under the National Parole Board .
• The transfer application is under the Correctional Services of Canada .
If you have already waived your hearing and you have a well prepared release plan then you should immediately write to your Institutional PO and to the NPB rescinding (taking back) your cancellation of hearing.

If a Community Strategy (assessment) is refused;
• Ask for a 90 day adjournment.
• Ask for a pass to go to a halfway house for an assessment.

If you have been denied access to a program not offered at your institution ask to have it taken out of your Correctional Plan - In writing.

If some information is unknown to you and is in your Intelligence Security Office file (ISO file) ask for an adjournment. NOTE; This information is required to be shared under the Golf vs. NPB court ruling.
The NPB consists of political Appointees of the party in power, they have little theory or knowledge in prison life, or prison and parole practice.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD EXPECT AT A HEARING:

These questions may not appear in this order at your hearing - and there will be others!
• Why should we give you parole?
• Do you feel remorse?
• What guarantees do we get that you won't re-offend?
• Why are you in prison?
• What led you to this crime?
• What support systems do you have in the community?
• What are your options?
• What makes you think you can cope in the community?
• Where do you plan to live?
• What will you do if you are not allowed to go back to your hometown?
• What is a halfway house going to do for you?
• Why did you pick the halfway house you picked?
• Can you explain your institutional charges?
• What programs have you taken?
• How did these programs benefit you?
• How do you apply what you learnt in programs?
• Did you learn anything about yourself by being in an institution?
• Do you consider yourself a criminal? (Are you proud of it?)
• How do you think your victims feel about your offence?
• What have you done to address the need areas in your correctional plan?
• What would you do if the same situation occurred again?
• Have you addressed the issues that caused you to offend?
• Do you think the sentence you received fits your crime ?

You need to take the time to think about these questions and consider your answers. It is very important that you not only think about them in the interest of answering the Parole Board, but more importantly think about them for yourself. How have you addressed the issues in your life? Are you okay with how things are going in your life? Are you committed to staying out of prison and how are you going to do it? Really take the time to reevaluate your world and how you are approaching it.

IF PAROLE IS DENIED:

ABOVE ALL STAY CALM;
Tell them you are very disappointed but would like to know;
1. What you can do to meet their expectations?
2. What would they like to see you accomplish?
3. What do they feel you are doing wrong?
4. What do they feel you have done right?

You have to role with the punches and use the set back to re-evaluate your situation and re-approach the problem equipped with the valuable information that they (NPB) will provide you in the body of their decision paper - Don't get angry! Perhaps they felt you haven't changed or didn't learn enough from your programs or had too many institutional charges.

There is an old saying: If at first you do not succeed, try, try again. There is no room to give up at this juncture of your life so pick up and keep moving forward. Keep your thinking healthy.
You have to approach the problem methodically. Begin by reviewing their concerns with a friend who will be honest. You should also self evaluate your case. If the NPB have a point you need to reflect upon it honestly with yourself.

However whether you feel they have a point or not you now have the task of documenting & demonstrating how you have changed. Perhaps you will need to review your program books and go over and over it until you learn and understand it completely. With regard to programs if you can't answer basic questions about what you learnt in a program and how you use it in your life then they have a point. You simply must be able to intelligently discuss the program content so do not take the programs lightly. You can never refresh your memory enough in regard to these programs. If you have had too many institutional charges then you are going to have to review why this is happening and whether or how you can change this factor. Pay attention to what you are doing and how you are being perceived by others, especially staff.

APPEAL THE DECISION - 2% - 3% prisoners win appeals.

GROUNDS FOR APPEAL: NPB neglected to observe principles of fundamental justice :
This includes any concerns regarding the fairness of the NPB procedures. For example; whether the NPB properly shared information that they relied upon. Whether the right to an assistant was respected. Whether the choice of official language was respected. Be specific as to how the Board did not respect the duty to be fair.

ERRORS OF LAW:

When you submit that the NPB didn't follow or misinterpreted the law specify what the error was exactly. For example if you submit that the NPB did not follow a section of the CCRA state what part of the ACT was not followed.
1) Breached or failed to apply a policy. As with the aforementioned grounds state precisely what NPB policy you felt the Board did not follow.
2) Based it's decision on erroneous or incomplete information. This includes any concern that relevant information was missing or that the Board made errors about the relevant information available.
3) Acted without jurisdiction or beyond it's jurisdiction or failed to exercise it's jurisdiction. This includes any concern about the Board either making decisions it did not have authority to make, or not making decisions that the law said it could make. In addition, it involves any complaint that the NPB decision is TOTALLY unreasonable or unsupported by the information available.

Again, it is important to state precisely what the error was. If you are arguing that the decision is TOTALLY unreasonable, you must explain and document why the Board members conclusions are unfounded.

THE ROLE OF THE NPB APPEAL DIVISION:

The NPB Appeal Division is supposed to ensure that the law & NPB policies are followed, and that the rules of fundamental justice are followed, and that NPB decisions are based on relevant and reliable information. They review the decision making process to confirm that it was fair and that procedural safeguards were respected.

As a result of CSC's bureaucratic predisposition toward unfairly reviewing issues internally (or actively ignoring them) you will have need of outside help. If this is your case, the following directions will help your wife, family and or friends effectively support you. I wish you and your family & friends good luck.

Posted with kind permisson of Peter Collins; Inmate at Bath Institute