CD 784 - Victim Notifications

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Questions and Answers

What is a victim statement used for in the context of the CCRA?

To suggest rehabilitation programs for the offender

To request a reduced sentence for the offender

To describe the harm suffered by the victim and its ongoing impact (correct)

To provide details about the offence for the public record

Which of the following conditions might be imposed to protect the victim upon the offender's release?

Abstaining from contacting the victim (correct)

Restriction on travel outside the jurisdiction

Mandatory participation in community service

Requirement to attend all court hearings

What resource can victims use to request to register and obtain information about an offender?

Community Legal Aid

Offender Information Bureau

Victims Portal (correct)

Victim Support Hotline

What is a key requirement for victims when sharing their information with CSC?

They need to ensure their contact information is current Signup and view all the answers

What can victims do even if they do not complete the Request for Victim Registration form?

Provide information that will be considered in decisions related to the offender Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of the Institutional Head/District Director regarding the Victim Services Unit?

Develop processes for notifying the Victim Services Unit about offender-related events Signup and view all the answers

In what situation must decision sheets include a rationale according to the responsibilities outlined?

When a victim submits a statement pursuant to subsection 133(3.1) of the CCRA Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does the Correctional Manager/Officer in Charge have regarding unscheduled events?

To notify the Victim Services Unit of unscheduled events for inmates with victim notification Signup and view all the answers

What must the Chief, Sentence Management, ensure regarding information provided to the Victim Services Unit?

That it is consistent with the outlines in Annex C Signup and view all the answers

Which process must be in place regarding communication to respect non-communication orders?

A process that conforms to CD 085 for preventing unwanted contact Signup and view all the answers

What type of information will not replace a written victim statement in decision making?

Photographs Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if a victim requests that their information not be disclosed to the offender?

The victim will be informed of legal constraints regarding disclosure Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances does section 26 of the CCRA apply?

Provincial offenders under special agreements Signup and view all the answers

What information will offenders not be notified about regarding victims?

Complaints submitted by victims Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an individual to be defined as a victim under the CCRA?

They must have been a direct target of the offender's actions Signup and view all the answers

If a victim shares information with CSC, what will happen to that information?

A gist will be prepared and shared with the offender Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a victim services officer in the decision-making process?

To review reports with various stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

Which type of victim-related information requires legislative provisions under the CCRA?

Victim Impact Statement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a type of individual defined under the CCRA?

Public witness Signup and view all the answers

What should victims be informed about their information potentially used in decisions affecting offenders?

A summary may be disclosed to the offender Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlines the process for victim complaints?

CD 786 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for an individual authorized to receive information on behalf of a victim?

Representative Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for federal offenders in provincial facilities regarding victim information?

They are subject to provincial regulations Signup and view all the answers

What does 'service standard' refer to within this context?

A public commitment to performance levels Signup and view all the answers

Who is eligible to receive information as a victim under the CCRA?

Victims directly harmed, individuals close to the victim, or persons harmed due to the offender's actions Signup and view all the answers

In the case of offenders under provincial supervision, how are they treated under the CCRA?

They are excluded from section 26 provisions Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a victim to authorize a representative to receive information on their behalf?

A written authorization submitted to CSC Victim Services Signup and view all the answers

What does the Victim Services Officer consider when determining the type of information to disclose?

Factors such as the nature and timeliness of the information and the effects of disclosure Signup and view all the answers

In cases where information may harm public safety, what steps does the Victim Services Officer take?

Seek a case conference with relevant parties when concerns arise Signup and view all the answers

What actions are taken when a victim requests information about an offender under a protection agreement?

The request is referred to higher management for response Signup and view all the answers

What scenario might require CSC to notify victims outside of regular business hours?

When an offender escapes or is unlawfully at large Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for decisions regarding disclosures about offenders in the Witness Protection Program?

RCMP Signup and view all the answers

What must a staff member do if a victim provides information verbally to someone outside the Victim Services Unit?

Complete a Statement/Observation Report and forward it Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is provided to victims who meet specific criteria under subsection 745.6(2.8) of the Criminal Code?

Mandatory information about the offender Signup and view all the answers

What does the Victim Services Unit do with sensitive personal information from victims?

It is carefully vetted and distributed as required Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that may be considered when disclosing information to victims?

The direct effect of disclosure on the offender Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a victim provides written information to a staff member outside the Victim Services Unit?

The information is forwarded for vetting and distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol if disclosure of information might negatively impact public safety?

To document and escalate the concerns for further review Signup and view all the answers

When may discretionary information be disclosed to a victim under the Privacy Act?

In highly exceptional circumstances, according to established protocols Signup and view all the answers

How does the CCRA treat victims from different countries?

It does not distinguish between Canadian and foreign victims Signup and view all the answers

What must a Parole Officer notify the Victim Services Unit about when beginning case preparation for release decisions?

Victim information and statements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of the Regional Victim Services Manager?

Train and coordinate Victim Services Officers Signup and view all the answers

What information should the Victim Services Officer provide to victims according to their responsibilities?

Information regarding restorative justice programs Signup and view all the answers

Which action must be consulted prior to sharing victim-related information with the offender?

The Victim Services Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Restorative Opportunities Program mentioned in the responsibilities?

To facilitate victim-offender mediation Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a victim to formally register to receive information?

Completion of a Request for Victim Registration form Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances can the Regional Victim Services Manager approve the disclosure of information without a written request?

Under exceptional circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the CCRA requires the inclusion of relevant victim information in decision-making reports?

Section 23 and 24 Signup and view all the answers

What must the Victim Services Officer do if a victim requests information about an offender?

Forward the request to the regional Victim Services Unit Signup and view all the answers

What must the Victim Services Officer assess in order to confirm a victim's eligibility for information?

Victim requests in accordance with specific sections of the CCRA Signup and view all the answers

What does the Victim Notification Required flag indicate in the Offender Management System?

The victim should be contacted for additional information Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of victim services is the National Monitoring Centre Supervisor responsible for after hours?

Completing victim notification activities Signup and view all the answers

What must the Victim Services Officer do when responding to victim inquiries?

Maintain confidentiality of the inquiry Signup and view all the answers

How should the Regional Victim Services Manager provide victims with information about their participation in the Restorative Opportunities Program?

Through direct communication with registered victims Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victim Services Procedures in the Correctional Service of Canada

Procedures exist for notifying, registering, and providing information to victims of crimes related to offenders under federal jurisdiction.

Roles and Responsibilities

Institutional Head/District Director: Develops processes for victim notification, ensures decision sheets justify decisions regarding offender temporary absences, and facilitates victim observer attendance at Parole Board hearings. Ensures availability of CSC victim services information. Establishes procedures preventing unwanted contact with victims (e.g. respecting non-communication orders).
Correctional Manager/Officer in Charge: Notifies Victim Services Unit/National Monitoring Centre of unscheduled events.
Correctional Manager/Manager, Assessment and Interventions/Parole Officer Supervisor/Manager, Community Correctional Centre (CCC): Ensures case preparation documents and recommendations consider victims' needs and that required information is forwarded to the Victim Services Unit.
Chiefs, Sentence Management, Sentence Management Officers: Provide required information to Victim Services, as outlined in Annex C.
Parole Officer/Correctional Officer II/Primary Worker: Notifies Victim Services Unit for offender release decisions, requests victim information (including statements pursuant to CCRA). Notifies Victim Services of changes in offender circumstances. Includes victim information in decision-making reports. Consults with Victim Services before sharing victim information with offenders and before contacting a victim to gather information.
Regional Victim Services Manager: Provides advice and assistance to Victim Services Officers, conducts training, liaises with various criminal justice partners, provides regional input, manages quality assurance, and approves information release in exceptional situations. Also provides information on Restorative Opportunities Program and related referrals. Provides advice on Privacy Act exemptions.
Victim Services Officer: Explains criminal justice system, victim rights (e.g. the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights), available services, and complaint processes. Assesses victim eligibility for information. Registers victims. Invites victim input. Advises parole officers of notification requirements, provides authorized information to victims. Provides information on offender Correctional Plans and responds to enquiries. Maintains contact information, liaises with various stakeholders.
National Monitoring Centre Supervisor: Completes victim notification activities after hours.

Victim Registration

Victims request registration in writing via the Request for Victim Registration form or the Victims Portal. Verbal requests will be assisted to complete a written request. Letters with sufficient information may be accepted as registration requests.
Regional Victim Services Manager may approve disclosure without a written request in exceptional circumstances. Reasons must be documented.
Criteria for registration include direct harm from offence, harm to individuals close to the victim, harm from offenders' actions. CSC employees and offenders (excluding those harmed during the offence they committed) may register.
Representatives, with written authorization, can also receive victim information.

Information Disclosure

Decisions about disclosing information are based on balancing victim's interest with offender's privacy. Factors include information nature, timeliness, effect on offender(s), consequences of disclosure.
Parole Officer/Primary Worker communicates concerns regarding disclosure to the supervisor and request case conference if needed. Victim Services Officer communicates to Regional Victim Services Manager when concerns about disclosure impacting public safety arise.
Mandatory information is provided to victims who meet Criminal Code criteria, regardless of registration.
CSC can notify victims outside of regular business hours in specific cases (e.g., escapes, temporary absences, judicial review).
Disclosure decisions involving offenders under Witness Protection Program Act or other protection agreements require coordination with RCMP, managing agencies, or National Manager, Restorative Justice and Victim Services with the Director General, Preventive Security and Intelligence.

Gathering Information from Victims

Information provided verbally to staff outside the Victim Services Unit is documented and forwarded to the Unit.
Written victim input is similarly managed.
Victim information relevant to the case (including risk assessment information) is forwarded to the appropriate staff.
Victim statements in lieu of photographs or other methods of communication.
Victim-related information concerning victims and offenders will be reviewed when sensitive information (e.g., psychological reports) is received to assess its relevance in decision-making.

Offenders are not notified of victim requests or provision of information. This information is not included in offender reports.
Victims' contact information is not shared with offenders unless consent is given.
Victims receiving information from CSC are advised that that content may be shared with offenders for decisions pursuant to CCRA section 27.
Gist of information may be shared with offenders in cases with sufficient grounds to withhold full details.

Jurisdictions

Procedures apply to all offenders under federal jurisdiction. Provincial offenders in certain cases may conform to this structure as well.
Federal offenders in provincial correctional facilities follow specific provincial procedures.

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Description

This quiz explores the roles and responsibilities within the Canadian Correctional and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) regarding victim services. Test your knowledge on victim statements, protections for victims, and the roles of correctional officers in supporting victims. Gain insight into the processes designed to aid victims within the correctional system.