JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA RESOURCE PAPERS The John Howard Society of Alberta regularly prepares new research and policy materials, in addition to ensuring that our existing resources are kept up to date. These documents reflect the views of the Society with respect to a number of criminal justice issues. To obtain a copy of these resource papers, complete and send the attached order form to the address below, with payment enclosed. Costs are as follows: 1-3 papers 4 or more papers $3.00 each All of our papers are also available at no charge on our web site: www.johnhoward.ab.ca For more information on the work of the John Howard Society of Alberta, please contact: May 2002 JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA 2nd Floor, 10523-100 Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 0A8 Telephone: (780) 423-4878 Fax: (780) 425-0008 Email: info@johnhoward.ab.ca
THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY History of the John Howard Society of Alberta (1998) A description of the Society's significant contributions since its inception in 1949. The structure of the organization and its funding base are also discussed. John Howard: Portrait of a Hero (1991) An in-depth look at John Howard, the person, as well as at how the legacy of his work is carried on through today's John Howard Societies. Information ranging from his childhood, personality and dress habits to the triumphs and tragedies in the life of this famous 18 th century prison reformer are highlighted. The John Howard Society s Programs (2001) An outline of the active role Alberta John Howard Societies play in the criminal justice process, accompanied by an extensive inventory of programs carried out by these community based agencies. Programs listed include those for the community, offenders and ex-offenders, young offenders and families of offenders. CRIME PREVENTION Crime Prevention Through Social Development (2000) A brief review describing the concept of crime prevention through social development (CPSD). It details the types of social problems that are receptive to social development initiatives and describes a number of local, national and international CPSD initiatives. Crime Prevention Through Social Development: A Literature Review (1995) A comprehensive review of CPSD theory and research intended to supplement the Resource Guide. Crime Prevention Through Social Development: A Resource Guide (1995) A document intended to help transform the theory of crime prevention through social development (CPSD) into action. The Guide identifies and discusses the issues that inevitably arise and need to be taken into account when considering the implementation of CPSD initiatives. The Guide functions as a reference point for those wanting to work with the systems and agencies already in place to collaboratively implement CPSD initiatives. YOUNG OFFENDERS Alternative Custody Programs for Youth (1997) A description of the differences among wilderness camps, boot camps and work camps for young offenders. Includes program descriptions, findings from program evaluations and notable concerns about each type of program. The paper concludes with suggestions about the necessary elements for successful work camp programs for young offenders. Harsh Reality of the Young Offenders Act (1999) An analysis of whether the justice system treats young people more harshly than adults. Examines frequency of custodial sentences, use of custodial dispositions, custody sentence length and rates of incarceration. Justice for Young Offenders (1999) A comparison of the Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act and the proposed Youth Criminal Justice Act. The philosophies of the three Acts are contrasted and differences in practice are noted. The potential impact of the Youth Criminal Justice Act is discussed. Parental Liability Laws (1997) An examination of increased interest in holding parents accountable for their children's actions. Parental liability laws in Canada and the United States are explored. Issues surrounding parental liability laws, including the effectiveness of such laws in addressing youth crime, are JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA 1
examined. More effective alternatives to parental liability laws are presented. Response to Renewing Youth Justice (1997) Our response to the recommendations contained in Renewing Youth Justice, Thirteenth Report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs. The response makes suggestions for enhancing or amending a number of the recommendations. Response to the Young Offenders Act Provincial Review (1994) Our response to the youth justice issues raised in the government of Alberta's Discussion Document. Directions for the future of youth justice in Alberta are explored. Response (1992) to the Young Offenders Act Amendments Our response to Bill C-12, proposed amendments to the Young Offenders Act. These proposals increased maximum sentences for youth who commit serious crimes and made it easier to transfer youth to adult court. Policy considerations relating to the treatment and incarceration of young offenders are also discussed. Response (1994) to the Young Offenders Act Amendments Our response to the specific amendments to the Young Offenders Act proposed in Bill C-37. The paper concludes with some suggested directions for the government of Canada. Youth Crime in Canada: Public Perception vs. Statistical Information (1998) A comparison of public perceptions of youth crime and the official statistics. Recommendations for bridging the gap between public perceptions and official statistics are given. Youth Justice Committees in Alberta (1999) An examination of the composition and function of Youth Justice Committees in Alberta. Specific operating concerns, as well as positive features of Youth Justice Committees, are discussed. SPECIAL NEEDS OFFENDERS Batterers Treatment Programs (2001) An examination of the factors that mark risk for battering and repeated battering and of available approaches to and models of batterers treatment. Against this descriptive backdrop, certain elements that are essential to effective programming are presented along with a suggested framework within which effective batterers treatment programs can be developed and delivered. Community Based Sex Offender Treatment Programs (1997) A review of community based treatment programs for sex offenders. Two British Columbia programs and one Ontario program are highlighted. The need for more programs that provide treatment and support to sex offenders after their sentences have expired is discussed. Community Notification (1997) An exploration of the practice of notifying communities of the release of potentially dangerous individuals. The problems associated with this practice, including vigilante justice, are discussed. Dangerous Offender Legislation Around the World (1999) A literature review exploring dangerous offender legislation and practices around the world, including a brief overview of current dangerous offender legislation in Canada. Includes directions for the future of dangerous offender legislation in Canada. Offender Risk Assessment (2000) An examination of the two basic methods of assessing the risk posed by federal offenders: actuarial and clinical. The issues surrounding risk assessments are discussed and suggestions for improving the accuracy of risk assessments are provided. 2 RESOURCE PAPERS
Response to Dangerous Offender Proposals (1993) Our response to proposed changes to Canada s dangerous offender laws. This paper details the proposed changes and our reasons for recommending that the government not introduce the draft legislation. Response to High Risk Offender Proposals (1997) The John Howard Society of Canada s response to Bill C- 55, amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The response was prepared jointly by the Alberta and Ontario John Howard Societies. Details the Society's position on specific changes to Dangerous Offender legislation, including a proposed new Long- Term Offender designation, and includes recommendations for change. Sex Offender Recidivism (1999) A briefing note providing information on the likelihood of recidivism, factors related to recidivism, success while on release, and treatment issues. Concludes with a discussion of future directions. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Response to the Alberta Summit on Justice (1998) Our response to the Summit on Justice consultation process. The paper presents our views on the benefits of restorative justice programming, the importance of community involvement in justice, the need for better public education on justice issues and the need for crime prevention through social development approaches to crime problems. Restorative Justice (1997) A description of the concept of restorative justice. It examines the emergence of restorative justice as well as its goals, techniques and future. Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs (1998) A literature review examining the benefits and practice of victim offender reconciliation programs. SENTENCES Attendance Centres (2000) An examination of attendance centre programs for adult and young offenders. The issues surrounding attendance centre programs are explored. Community Corrections (1998) A discussion of the evolution of community corrections over the past 30 years. Among the general issues explored are cost, reduction of prison populations, net widening, effectiveness, humanitarianism and public opinion. Conditional Sentences (2000) An analysis of the use of the conditional sentence of imprisonment in Canada since this new sentencing option was introduced in 1996. Discusses the impact of conditional sentences on incarceration rates, and canvasses a number of interpretational difficulties that have arisen out of the legislation. Includes a discussion of five Supreme Court of Canada cases handed down in 2000, including R. v. Proulx. Electronic Monitoring (2000) An examination of electronic monitoring technology and programs worldwide, particularly their use in the United States and their introduction in Canada. Discusses electronic monitoring from the offender s perspective and reviews the issues surrounding electronic monitoring. Response (1994) to Sentencing Amendments Our response to Bill C-41, amendments to the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code. Sentencing in Canada (1999) A summary of the purpose and principles of sentencing and the range of sentencing options in Canada, including JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA 3
imprisonment, intermittent imprisonment, dangerous offender declaration, conditional sentence, fines and community service, restitution, probation and conditional and absolute discharge. IMPRISONMENT Boot Camps: Issues for Canada (1998) An examination of boot camp design, structure and utility. The remarkable growth of boot camps in the United States is examined and evaluative information is provided when possible. The issues surrounding the use of boot camps in Canada are outlined. Effects of Long Term Incarceration (1999) An overview of the effects of long-term incarceration and the ways in which prisoners deal with lengthy confinement. Issues dealt with include deprivation, fear of deterioration, effects on relationships inside and outside the prison environment, self-esteem and personality change. Inmate Education (1997) An overview of inmate education in the federal penitentiary system. The unique needs of inmate students are discussed and the characteristics of effective correctional education programs are detailed. The impact of prison education on recidivism rates is explored and public influence in shaping Canadian corrections policy on education is discussed. Inmate Industries (1997) A discussion of the history and development of inmate industries. The paper provides an overview of the types of industries and programs operating within the corrections system. It also explores the major issues facing private sector involvement in inmate industries. Inmate Rights and Grievance Options (1998) An examination of inmates' rights (past and present) as well as the grievance procedures available to provincial and federal inmates. Included is the function of the Alberta Ombudsman and the federal Correctional Investigator, as well as a critique of their effectiveness. Inmate Voting Rights (2000) An examination of inmate voting rights in Canada. The issues surrounding inmate voting rights are explored and the John Howard Society of Alberta's position on inmate voting rights is presented. Life Imprisonment (1998) An analysis focussing on the provisions for life imprisonment sentencing and the number of "lifers" currently serving sentences in Canadian institutions. Also discussed are the various programs available to lifers. Prison and Jail Suicide (1999) A look at suicide, which is the most common cause of death in Canadian correctional institutions. Possible causes and indicators of prison suicide, risk factors and present methods of treatment, intervention and prevention are discussed. Prison Overcrowding (1996) A briefing paper citing the problems of overcrowding in Canadian prisons, particularly in federal penitentiaries. The effects of prison overcrowding and ways to reduce overcrowding are explored. POST IMPRISONMENT AND AFTERCARE Halfway Houses (2001) A general overview of the place of halfway houses in the criminal justice system, how offenders get to halfway houses, some common issues and concerns surrounding halfway houses and the contribution of halfway houses to community safety. Response to Corrections and Conditional Release Act Amendments (1994) 4 RESOURCE PAPERS
Our response to Bill C-45, proposed changes to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. More effective ways of securing community safety are suggested. Response to Proposed Corrections and Conditional Release Act (1992) Our response to Bill C-36, the proposed Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Details our position on individual provisions of the Bill and our overall approach to justice. Private Prisons (1994) PRIVATIZATION An examination of the theoretical and practical issues surrounding the private prisons debate. Privatization of Corrections (1998) A review of the literature pertaining to the privatization of corrections. The problems and advantages associated with contracting for services, the concepts of prisons for profit and prison industries and the North American experience are explored. SOCIAL POLICY Correctional User Fees (2001) An examination of the collection of user fees in corrections. Issues and concerns surrounding user fees are addressed. Cost of Criminal Justice (1997) An analysis of the cost of criminal justice in Canada. This paper examines the six major areas of expenditure: policing, adult corrections, youth corrections, courts, legal aid and prosecutions. Fear of Crime (1999) A literature review examining the extent to which people fear crime, the factors associated with increasing levels of fear, and the various ways in which the government and criminal justice organizations have attempted to reduce the public s fear. Gangs (2001) A review of media, law enforcement, government and academic perspectives on gangs. Existing individual, community and criminal justice system responses to gang activity are outlined. Possible reasons for the perceived increase in gang related activity are discussed, along with suggestions for social and community responses. Offender Registry (2001) Our response to existing and proposed forms of offender registry, which is a form of notification requiring offenders to register their name and other identifying information with police and to renew their registration regularly or when they move. Issues surrounding offender registry are discussed, including the effectiveness of offender registry and alternatives to offender registry. Prostitution (2001) A review of the literature on prostitution. The risk factors associated with entry into prostitution are identified and prevention is discussed. Social and legal responses to prostitution are explored and an attempt is made to identify the most effective responses to prostitution. Role of the Police (1997) An examination of the present roles and functions of police in society, the origin of Canadian policing, public perceptions and expectations, the importance of community relations and police demography in Canada. The impact of multiculturalism and the future of policing in Canada are considered. Victim Impact Statements (1997) A discussion of the use of written or oral submissions from crime victims describing the impact the offence had on their lives. This paper examines the history of Victim Impact Statements in the United States, their introduction into Canadian sentencing hearings, the JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA 5
Alberta experience and the arguments of both opponents and proponents of including Victim Impact Statements in the court process. Women and Violence (2001) Are women becoming more violent? This paper examines women and criminality, including risk factors for criminal involvement, social and judicial responses to women s violence, and possible reasons for the perceived increase in women s violence in recent years. ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF ALBERTA A Guide to Pardons (2 nd Edition) This booklet describes the steps necessary to apply for a pardon, including how to obtain a pardon application booklet and the documentation required. It also answers many of the commonly asked questions about pardons, such as the costs involved and what a pardon means in terms of employment and travel. A Guide to the Young Offenders Act in Alberta (4 th Edition) This guide introduces the Young Offenders Act, the operation of the youth justice system and the application of the Act in Alberta. The guide is written in plain language and is complete with pictures and charts. Understanding Criminal Records section of the document is devoted entirely to youth criminal records. List of HIV/AIDS /Hepatitis C and NPNU Resources in Alberta This document was prepared by our office as part of our work on the Law Enforcement and Corrections Task Group of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium. The Reporter Our quarterly newsletter, The Reporter is distributed free of charge to a wide audience of citizens, educators, agencies and criminal justice system staff. The goal of the John Howard Society of Alberta in distributing the newsletter is to provide information and commentary on timely criminal justice issues. Highlights from recent include: Community Involvement in Youth Justice: Opportunities for Action (Volume 17 Number 1, May 2000) Conditional Sentences (Volume 17 Number 2, September 2000) Attendance Centres (Volume 17 Number 3, December 2000) Electronic Monitoring (Volume 18 Number 1, May 2001) Community Based Criminal Justice: A Critical Examination (Volume 18 Number 2, September 2001) Offender Registry (Volume 18, Number 3, December 2001) Halfway Houses (Volume 19, Number 1, May 2002) This document provides individuals working in the criminal justice system with information about criminal records. It includes an overview of Canada s central criminal record system, answers frequently asked questions about criminal records, and examines the legislation governing criminal records in Canada. A 6 RESOURCE PAPERS
ORDER FORM Title Number of Copies Total Number of Copies (For quantities of 4 or more, enclose $3.00 for each paper) A Guide to the Young Offenders Act (FREE) Understanding Criminal Records (FREE) The Reporter (FREE) Specify Volume and Number: PAYMENT ENCLOSED: Name Organization Address City/Town Would you like to receive a one year FREE subscription to the John Howard Society of Alberta Reporter which covers a number of criminal justice issues each year? If YES please mark this box. Province Postal Code Phone