Home Programs Corrections Aboriginal corrections How we do it

How we do it

Our work is structured to link community solutions with policy development. The starting points are appropriate community-based projects for offenders and victims. The end points are increased knowledge within communities and government as well as effective and appropriate government policies.

• Project development
• Pilot project funding
• Training and capacity building
• Communications
• Policy development and support

Project development

We work closely -- very much in a support role -- with communities to develop offender treatment projects. The projects involve healing strategies and services for victims, offenders, and their families. Importantly, they are grounded in Aboriginal cultural beliefs. We also work to evaluate projects for their feasibility and sustainability.

Pilot project funding

PSEPC provides funding for pilot projects that work with victims, offenders and families. We put the emphasis on funding projects that use innovative cultural approaches that have not yet been tried. As well, the projects must be community-driven. Projects are selected based on how well they address the needs of the community, recognizing that each community is unique. It is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. The projects must seek to deal with serious crime in a way that ensures the safety of all. They must meet the needs of offenders, victims and the surrounding community. How this is done can be very different across the country. The costs of projects are cost-shared with communities and/or provinces and territories. Often funding is received through the Policing, Communities and Corrections Fund, but it can also come from more than one federal department. The projects must also provide information that can contribute to advancing knowledge in the area of Aboriginal corrections and criminal justice.

Training and capacity building

A small proportion of funds exist to accelerate a community’s capacity to implement holistic, restorative, community healing and wellness strategies. This includes training teams in communities that can respond to the needs of victims, offenders, families and communities.

Communications

Funding is also available to support conferences, seminars and gatherings. The goal is to help Aboriginal communities to develop sustainable skills and knowledge for corrections initiatives. Some funds have also been set aside to publish specific research and technical reports.

Policy development and support

We provide policy advice and support to the Minister, Deputy Minister, agencies such as Correctional Service Canada and National Parole Board, negotiators and others in the federal government.