By Canadian Press

Inmates kept in prison too long for lack of halfway houses: auditor

Nov 20, 2018 | 7:39 AM

OTTAWA — Canada’s auditor general says hundreds of federal prisoners are having their parole delayed only because the Correctional Service of Canada doesn’t have halfway houses for them to live in.

In a new report Tuesday, Michael Ferguson says staying in prison, sometimes for months longer than they’re supposed to, hurts offenders’ rehabilitation and prospects for success when they’re released.

He says the backlog of prisoners waiting more than two months for parole increased tenfold over the last three years, from 25 to almost 260.

And the shortage of spaces means parolees are increasingly sent to communities where they have no family or supports, and no intention of staying.

The audit says parole officers often do not get important information about the parolees they are supposed to monitor and help, such as details about health conditions that could affect their ability to live and work on the outside.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

A spot check of 50 cases found that nearly half of the time, parole officers didn’t see their parolees on the right schedule or didn’t check to make sure they were following special parole conditions.

The Canadian Press