COVID-19: 5 Reasons why it’s important to vaccinate prisoners
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
The federal government announced its plan to vaccinate 600 elderly and vulnerable federal prisoners. The Correctional Service of Canada has begun vaccinating prisoners, which is an important step to help control the spread of COVID-19, both in prisons and the…
COVID-19: How soon can suspended federal prisoners get a post-suspension hearing?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
If a federal prisoner on parole or statutory release is suspended, the prisoner will be taken into custody. If the suspension isn’t cancelled by Correctional Service Canada, then the prisoner will have a post-suspension hearing before the Parole Board of…
COVID-19: How to stay in touch with federal prisoners
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In response to outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons, Correctional Service Canada has suspended in-person visits in many areas. That said, friends and family still have other ways of contacting prisoners: Mail. As a precaution, mail is generally being quarantined for…
COVID-19: Modified routines for health purposes in prison
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In addition to placing prisoners in medical isolation, wardens in federal institutions also have the authority to implement a modified routine for health purposes. Modified routines are implemented to restrict movement within part of or an entire prison to contain…
Can Correctional Service Canada withhold information from prisoners?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
When a prisoner is entitled to make representations (for example, following an involuntary transfer or segregation placement), the prisoner is entitled to all information considered in making the decision. This is to allow the prisoner to make meaningful submissions to…
Can CSC disclose information about prisoners with victims?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In general, Correctional Service Canada is required to respect the privacy of prisoners and not disclose information without consent. However, information can be shared in certain circumstances, particularly when it comes to victims. CSC will provide victims with certain information,…
How do parole appeals work?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Prisoners can appeal decisions of the Parole Board of Canada to the Appeal Division. In addition to appealing a denial of parole, prisoners can also appeal the conditions imposed on parole or statutory release. Prisoners need to submit their appeals…
Do prisoners have to pay to bring applications in court?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
There are court filing fees that prisoners should be aware of before bringing applications in court. In the Federal Court, it costs $50 to have a notice of application issued. There are additional fees for setting hearing dates, bringing a…
6 Things to know about COVID-19 and visiting prisoners
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
COVID-19 has impacted Correctional Service Canada’s visiting procedures. Below are a few points to remember before visiting: Not all prisons are allowing visits. Depending on local transmission, some institutions may not be allowing visitors. Check online to see whether the…
What happens if a parole officer doesn’t complete paperwork before a prisoner’s parole hearing?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Parole officers must do case preparation for all prisoners going for parole. This requires the parole officer to complete paperwork for the parole hearing, such as an Assessment for Decision, Correctional Plan, etc. This paperwork is generally ready for the…