As those who heard Warden Teri DuTemple at the June meeting discovered,  Nanaimo Correctional Center’s programs are not what one generally perceives prison life to be.  Typically inmates may be on remand awaiting trial or serving a sentence of two years less a day. Corrections staff provide safe and secure custody but also deliver programs that promote public safety and reduce criminal behaviour.  The word “correctional” in this case has to do with rehabilitation than with punishment…

The programs at NCC include:

•  Cognitive behavioural programs for offenders in custody and in the community
• Intervention to help offenders overcome obstacles like mental illness, low literacy and lack of social skills.
• An innovative therapeutic community called Guthrie House which aims to reduce re-offending by helping offenders fight their addictions. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/corrections/reducing-reoffending/guthrie-house
• Educational and vocational programs to give offenders the foundation they need for a new kind of life

 For more information about BC Correctional Programs go to:  www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/corrections/about-us