Criminal Justice System and Probation

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of the Criminal Justice System (CJS)?

The main goal of criminal justice system.

What is 'Corrections' in relation to CJS?

Corrections refers to the various programs, services, and facilities used to manage individuals who have been accused or convicted of criminal offenses.

What are 5 types of sentences a judge can impose on an offender?

Imprisonment, probation, fines, community service, and restitution.

What is 'community corrections' and where does it fit into the CJS?

Community corrections refers to sanctions and supervision that occur outside of a secure correctional facility. It fits into the CJS as an alternative to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Signup and view all the answers

What two government bodies/agencies are responsible for ADULT corrections in Canada? (FULL NAMES)

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and provincial/territorial correctional services. Signup and view all the answers

What is the '2 year rule'?

The '2 year rule' refers to the division of responsibility for inmates, in that offenders sentenced to two years or more fall under federal jurisdiction, while those sentenced to less than two years are the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Probation' define...

Probation is a community-based sanction where an offender is allowed to live in the community under specific conditions and supervision, instead of incarceration, following a period of incarceration, or in lieu of incarceration. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the roles of community supervising criminal justice officers/probation officers?

Supervising offenders, enforcing court orders, providing support and guidance, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with community partners. Signup and view all the answers

Who are our clients? Describe them...

Our clients are offenders who have been placed on probation or parole. They may be individuals convicted of a range of offences, and come from diverse backgrounds with varying needs and risk levels. Signup and view all the answers

Who do community supervisors supervise and why?

Community supervisors supervise offenders who are serving a community sentence – such as probation or parole – to ensure they abide by the terms of the courts and to assist with their rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

How does an offender end up on probation?

An offender ends up on probation when a judge orders it as part of their sentence, typically as an alternative to or in conjunction with incarceration. Signup and view all the answers

What types of responsibilities does a probation officer have?

Conducting pre-sentence investigations, supervising offenders, enforcing conditions of probation, providing referrals to services, and maintaining case records. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length of an adult probation order?

In Canada, the Criminal Code sets the maximum length of an adult probation order at three years, unless otherwise specified by law. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Rule of Law and Accountability come into play in a probation officers job.

Probation officers must act within the bounds of the law and are accountable for their actions. They must ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal procedures in their interactions with offenders. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss 3 of the many obstacles that a probation officer must overcome in order to supervise their caseload effectively?

Caseload management, resource limitations, and offender resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What are the “dual roles” of probation officers and how can an officer manage this responsibility effectively?

The dual roles are law enforcement (ensuring compliance) and social work (providing support for rehabilitation). Officers can manage this by balancing authoritative supervision with empathetic guidance and maintaining clear boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three (3) mandatory conditions of a probation order that ALL individuals must follow?

Keep the peace and be of good behaviour, appear before the court when required, and notify the court or the probation officer of any change of address or employment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a “PSR” (presentence report), who requests it and why? Who does it?

A PSR (presentence report) is a document prepared by a probation officer at the request of the court, providing information about an offender's background, circumstances, and risk factors to assist the judge in sentencing. It is prepared by probation officers. Signup and view all the answers

Understand the history of corrections and when community corrections became a big part of the criminal justice system.

Community corrections gained prominence in the late 20th century as an approach to reduce incarceration rates and promote rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

KNOW the full Ministry of SOLICITOR GENERAL - Correctional Services Division mission statement and its goals.

To provide effective and humane correctional services that contribute to public safety while promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the many types of Correctional legislation both federal and provincial, chapter 1 in community corrections.

Federal Legislation: Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). Provincial Legislation: Probation Act, various provincial correctional services acts. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 things that must be on every probation officers case entries? (what makes a good report?)

Date of the entry, client's name and case number, summary of the interaction, observations of the client's behaviour/demeanor, and any actions taken or planned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the confidentiality document and when is it used?

A consent form from the patient. It is used when information will be released to another group or entity regarding their protected data. Signup and view all the answers

What are the criminogenic risks of a client?

Criminogenic risks are dynamic risk factors that are directly related to criminal behaviour and can be changed through interventions. Examples include antisocial attitudes, associations with criminal peers, and substance abuse. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of communicating effectively with clients.

Effective communication builds trust, enhances understanding, and promotes compliance with supervision conditions. It also facilitates the development of a therapeutic relationship that can support rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the evolution of corrections in Canada from 1836 2025 in one paragraph.

Corrections in Canada have evolved from punitive approaches focused on imprisonment to more rehabilitative models emphasizing community supervision and reintegration. Historically, the system was largely based on retribution, but over time, there has been increased emphasis on addressing the root causes of crime, providing treatment services, and supporting offenders' successful return to society. Signup and view all the answers

Where did probation start?

Probation started in the United States, with John Augustus, a Boston shoemaker, considered the 'father of probation'. Signup and view all the answers

What is rehabilitation? Define it and provide an example for a client that has been identified as having shoplifting behaviours.

Rehabilitation is the process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness. For example, if a client has shoplifting behaviors, rehabilitation might involve cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying issues like impulsivity or financial difficulties, coupled with restorative justice practices to repair harm done to victims. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Goal of the CJS

The overarching aim is to deliver fair and ethical administration of justice, promote community safety, help rehabilitate offenders, and support victims of crime.

Corrections (CJS)

Corrections involves the supervision and management of individuals who have been convicted of a crime. It includes incarceration and community-based supervision.

Types of Sentences

Fines, Probation, Conditional Sentence, Imprisonment, Restitution.

Community Corrections

Supervision and management of offenders in the community, as opposed to incarceration. It aims to rehabilitate while maintaining public safety.