Home Programs Corrections About Canada’s correctional system Upon release into the community

Upon release into the community

Research has shown that offenders do much better after their release if there is continued treatment and support in place to help them start a new life. People who stay in prison until the very end of their sentence and who have no supervision in the community are at a much greater risk of committing another crime. Since almost all offenders eventually get released from prison, it is certainly in society’s interest to make their reintegration a success.

When under supervision in the community, offenders must follow strict rules:

• They must report regularly to a parole officer and the police
• Usually conditions are imposed, such as avoiding alcohol or certain people
• Parole officers also help offenders make important connections to community services, such as counselling, education, training and job search assistance

The transition to life after prison is safer and more successful for all parties when there is supervision and support in the community. The statistics on releases and repeat offences speak for the success of Canada’s rehabilitation and community support programs. Less than 1% of paroles and less than 3% of statutory releases end with a violent offence.