Guidelines 710-2-3: Inmate transfer processes

• Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), sections 3, 3.1, 4, 12, 15.1, 16, 26, 27, 28, 29, 81, 84, 87 and 96(d)
• Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR), sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 97
• Commissioner's Directive 710-2 - Transfer of Inmates

To provide clarification and guidance to staff on the different inmate transfer processes and related transfer procedures

Applies to all staff involved in the inmate transfer process

• Procedures
• General Transfer Process
• Intra-Regional Transfer
• Transfer to and from the Special Handling Unit
• Transfer to and Return from a Section 81 Facility
• Transfer to and from a CSC Indigenous Healing Lodge
• Transfer to and from a CSC Treatment Centre for Program Participation or Admission Purposes, Including Intermediate Mental Health Care Within a Treatment Centre or Mainstream Institution
• Transfer for Judicial Review of Parole Ineligibility
• Transfer for Attendance at Court Proceedings
• Voluntary Inter-Regional Transfer
• Involuntary Inter-Regional Transfer
• Interjurisdictional Transfer
• Annex A - Cross-References and Definitions
• Annex B - Delegation of Authority, Timeframes for Decision and Timeframes for Inmate's Notification
• Annex C - Assessment for Decision for Transfers - Report Outline

1. All transfers between institutions require a transfer warrant, with the exception of:
   1. the return of an offender from a section 81 Healing Lodge to a federal facility that may be processed with a letter of withdrawal of support from the Director of the Healing Lodge. A transfer warrant must follow as soon as possible
   2. following the capture of an offender who had escaped or who was unlawfully at large
   3. the transfer of an inmate being escorted to court by the Sheriff/Bailiff/Police and who will not be incarcerated in another federal facility prior to their return
   4. the transfer of an inmate via a warrant of committal, pursuant to CD 705-7 - Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement.
2. Transfers under Exchange of Service Agreements with provinces and territories, and transfers to and from facilities under section 81 agreements will be managed according to the provisions of the respective agreements, and the decision-making authority outlined in Annex B.
3. When the transfer involves a transfer to/from a women’s institution, the recommendation will be sent to the Deputy Commissioner for Women for final decision.
4. The inmate has the right to contact by telephone, without delay pursuant to section 97 of the CCRR, their lawyer or an individual identified on their authorized call list, to advise the lawyer/individual of their transfer to another institution. If the inmate is incapable of making the call, staff will facilitate the request.
5. Inmates will normally not be transferred within two months prior to a scheduled hearing by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) or a court date. If a transfer is unavoidable, the sending institution will immediately notify the PBC of the transfer and maintain responsibility for the casework in relation to the PBC hearing.
6. Inmates on High or Modified Watch will not normally be transferred to an institution other than a treatment facility unless the attending mental health professional deems the transfer would reduce the risk of suicide (refer to CD 843 - Interventions to Preserve Life and Prevent Serious Bodily Harm). The transfer will be effected after a case conference/teleconference is held between the mental health teams of the sending and receiving facilities and is documented and the transfer is clinically supported.
7. An exception applies for an inmate requiring High or Modified Watch or mental health monitoring when the observation status cannot be facilitated at their current institution. Under these circumstances, the inmate will be immediately transferred to another institution where the observation status can be facilitated. This will be considered a temporary transfer with a return to the primary institution as soon as possible. A case conference/teleconference between the mental health teams of the sending and receiving facilities will be effected as soon as practicable. Sight and sound observation of the inmate will be maintained during the transport as per CD 566-6 - Security Escorts.
8. Except in the case of an emergency transfer, inmates on High or Modified Watch shall not normally be transferred on Fridays or holidays, including weekends.
9. Where there is a Victim Notification flag, the Victim Services Unit will be advised of a transfer pursuant to CD 784 - Victim Engagement.
10. When the transfer is to provide the inmate access to their home community, family and/or family support, the institutional Parole Officer/Primary Worker will confirm support pursuant to CD 715-3 - Community Assessments. The result of the report will be recorded in an Assessment for Decision for Transfer.
11. A transfer will be considered in cases where such a transfer will actualize/operationalize a conditional release. In such cases, an Assessment for Decision must provide a detailed account of the alternative options that were considered (community support, release plan, security concerns).
12. If a voluntary transfer application is denied, a review of any subsequent transfer application(s) is not required more than once every six months, unless supported by the Case Management Team.
13. Where an inmate is transferred on an involuntary basis, a review of any voluntary transfer application is not required within the first six months following the involuntary transfer, unless supported by the Case Management Team.
14. If a transfer involves an inmate with a high profile offender flag, the procedures regarding high profile offenders will be followed pursuant to CD 701 - Information Sharing.
15. The sending institution will ensure that, prior to a transfer, the following documentation is translated, if necessary, into the predominant language of the receiving institution:
    1. the Case Documentation Checklist
    2. the Assessment for Decision and the Offender Intake Assessment reports
    3. the police report(s) for all current offences
    4. the Post-Sentence Community Assessment Report
    5. the Criminal Profile Report
    6. the Correctional Plan
    7. the sentence calculation
    8. relevant security intelligence information
    9. the most recent psychological report and/or mental health assessment
    10. the Health Services Transfer Summary (CSC/SCC 0377-01)
    11. the Finger Print System (FPS) Summary
    12. all trial related reports and documentation
    13. the most recent Correctional Plan Update.
16. Where time does not permit to translate the documents before the transfer, as in the case of an emergency transfer, translation will be completed immediately following the transfer by the sending institution.
17. The transfer of inmate's files will be completed in accordance with the Offender Records System User's Guide.
18. Upon transfer, the receiving institution will complete all relevant screenings and assessments relating to suicide and self-injury, pursuant to CD 843 - Interventions to Preserve Life and Prevent Serious Bodily Harm and CD 705-3 - Immediate Needs Identification and Admission Interviews.
19. Refusal or failure to integrate at the receiving institution may result in the inmate's transfer to another institution and/or region.
20. Refer to Annex B for delegation of authority, timeframes for decision and timeframes for inmate's notification that apply to transfers.
21. The Regional Victim Services Manager will ensure that for all inter-regional transfers, related victim information is transferred to the appropriate Victim Services Unit in the receiving region.

22. The Parole Officer/Primary Worker will:
    1. review and discuss the transfer application with the inmate and, if necessary, with other members of the Case Management Team focusing on how the proposed transfer meets the objectives of the Correctional Plan
    2. within five working days of being notified of the request, consult with the receiving institution to discuss the appropriateness of the transfer in situations when the transfer is supported by the Case Management Team or in situations where it is deemed appropriate and/or necessary
    3. where applicable, update the Correctional Plan in consultation with the inmate and complete the Assessment for Decision found in Annex C within 30 days of receipt of the application
    4. notify the inmate of the final transfer decision and associated reasons within 60 days after the submission of the request.
23. An Assessment for Decision for Transfer, pursuant to Annex C, is not required for:
    1. a transfer to a CSC Treatment Centre for an admission to psychiatric hospital care
    2. a return to a primary institution
    3. a transfer to another institution when there is no change in an inmate's security classification level except for a transfer of an inmate with a medium security classification to an environment without a secure and directly controlled perimeter pursuant to CD 706 - Classification of Institution
24. When an Assessment for Decision for Transfer is not required, a CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet will be completed by the Parole Officer/Primary Worker/Manager, Assessment and Interventions/ Correctional Manager and include the following in the additional recommendation section of the form:
    1. information from the Security Intelligence Officer
    2. comments from the receiving institution
    3. information regarding physical and mental health needs
    4. information regarding Indigenous social history where appropriate
    5. recommendation from the Case Management Team consistent with the objectives identified in the Correctional Plan
    6. a detailed rationale of the reasons for the decision (including consideration of the relevant elements identified under section 28 of the CCRA).
25. A copy of the final decision and associated reasons will be provided to the inmate within five working days after the final decision.

26. The Parole Officer will complete the Assessment for Decision pursuant to Annex C.
27. Pursuant to section 12 of the CCRR, Annex B of these Guidelines and CD 701 - Information Sharing, the Institutional Head or designate will:
    1. meet with the inmate to explain the reasons for the proposed transfer
    2. provide the inmate with a copy of:
       1. the Assessment for Decision
       2. all other information that will be used in the decision-making process
    3. give the inmate written notice of the involuntary transfer recommendation
    4. provide the inmate two working days to respond in person or in writing to the transfer.
28. The Institutional Head can grant, within one working day of receiving the request, an extension of up to 10 working days. When the inmate responds in person, the response must be documented in a "Casework Record - Rebuttal".
29. The inmate's rebuttal, a copy of the most recent Correctional Plan Update (if required) and the Assessment for Decision will be forwarded to the appropriate decision maker as indicated in Annex B.
30. The inmate will be provided with the written notice of the final decision and the associated reasons via the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet:
    1. at least two days before the transfer, unless the inmate waives the two-day period on the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet, or
    2. within five working days of the final decision being rendered, if the decision is not to transfer the inmate.
31. In exceptional circumstances of a missed timeframe for a decision, an addendum to the existing Assessment for Decision will be completed to explain the reason for the delay and expected date for a decision.

32. For a transfer, pursuant to section 13 of the CCRR, when it is determined that it is necessary to immediately transfer an inmate, a case conference between institutional staff will take place prior to the inmate's transfer or as soon as possible thereafter.
33. Prior to the transfer, the Institutional Head or designate of the sending institution will meet with the inmate to explain the reasons for the transfer.
34. Not more than two working days after the transfer, the Institutional Head of the receiving institution or designate will ensure the procedural fairness process is completed with the inmate by:
    1. meeting with the inmate to explain the reasons for the transfer, and pursuant to CD 701 - Information Sharing, providing them all documentation that will be used in the decision-making process
    2. advising the inmate of their right to legal counsel
    3. providing the inmate two working days to respond to the transfer, in person or in writing. The Institutional Head can grant, within one working day of receiving the request, an extension of up to 10 working days. When the inmate responds in person, the response must be documented in a "Casework Record - Rebuttal".
35. The inmate's rebuttal, a copy of the most recent Correctional Plan Update (if required) and the Assessment for Decision will be forwarded to the appropriate decision maker as indicated in Annex B.
36. The inmate will be provided with the written final decision and the associated reasons via the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet within five working days after the final decision.
37. In cases where an inmate is transferred for a short period to another facility, pursuant to section 13 of the CCRR, for observation purposes that cannot be met at the primary institution, no Assessment for Decision is required. However, the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet must include the reasons for the transfer and confirm procedural safeguards including the right to rebut were provided.

38. For transfers to and from the Special Handling Unit, please refer to CD 708 - Special Handling Unit.

39. For transfers to and returns from a section 81 facility, please refer to GL 710-2-1 - CCRA Section 81: Transfers.

40. For a transfer to and from a CSC Indigenous Healing Lodge, the relevant transfer process applies.
41. Refer to Annex B for delegation of authority, timeframes for decision and timeframes for inmate's notification that apply to transfers to and from a CSC Indigenous Healing Lodge.

42. A transfer to a CSC Treatment Centre for an admission to psychiatric hospital care requires the consent of the inmate, unless the inmate has been certified under the relevant provincial mental health legislation.
43. Prior to a transfer for admission to psychiatric hospital care in a CSC Treatment Centre, or admission to Intermediate Mental Health Care within a Treatment Centre or other institution, the inmate must meet the clinical admission criteria in accordance with the Admission and Discharge Guidelines listed in the Integrated Mental Health Guidelines.
44. When an inmate is admitted to a Treatment Centre for psychiatric hospital care, the sending institution will remain the primary institution.
45. When an inmate is admitted to Intermediate Mental Health Care within a Treatment Centre, the sending institution will remain the primary institution, should the stay not exceed one year. For stays exceeding one year, the co-located institution will become the inmate's primary institution. In situations where the inmate's security classification differs from that of the co-located institution, the sending institution will remain the inmate's primary institution.
46. For transfers to an Intermediate Mental Health Care Unit located at another institution, the corresponding transfer process will apply.
47. Prior to the transfer to a CSC Treatment Centre, the inmate will be informed that:
    1. upon completion of the program or treatment plan, or the provision of the required health services, they will be returned to the primary institution should the stay not exceed one year
    2. failure to fully participate in programming may result in a discharge from the Treatment Centre and, under normal circumstances, the inmate will be returned to the primary institution.

48. For a transfer to another institution of the same security level for judicial review, the applicable transfer process will be followed. An Assessment for Decision is not required but the information will be recorded in a CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
49. An inmate eligible for judicial review of parole ineligibility will be transferred for the purposes of the review hearing to an institution which is in close proximity to the jurisdiction where their hearing will be held.
50. The transfer will be initiated in accordance with the timeframes outlined in Annex B and just far enough in advance of the judicial review of parole ineligibility hearing to ensure proper preparation for their case with legal counsel. This will take into account the possibility that the inmate may already have engaged legal counsel prior to the anticipated transfer.

51. For a transfer to another institution of the same security level to attend court proceedings, the applicable transfer process will be followed. An Assessment for Decision is not required but the information will be recorded in a CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
52. For a transfer to another institution, where the court order stipulates a specific institution which differs from the assigned security level of the offender required to appear, a request may be submitted to the applicable court to amend the order.
53. In the absence of a court order, and with the exception of cases from the Special Handling Unit, the Institutional Head may authorize the transfer of an inmate to another penitentiary or to a provincial correctional facility to facilitate the inmate's attendance at a court proceeding.
54. Pursuant to a court order, the Institutional Head can authorize the transfer of an inmate to another institution to allow them to participate in a judicial proceeding if the court order does not specify the provincial institution or if the provincial institution specified in the court order cannot accommodate the inmate. An Assessment for Decision is not required but the information will be recorded in a CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
55. The sending institution must confirm that video conferencing has been eliminated as an option prior to an inter-regional transfer when court attendance is the sole purpose for the inmate's transfer.
56. Depending on the length of time an inmate has been in an institution other than their primary institution due to court matters, the respective Institutional Heads will determine who is responsible for case preparation and the necessity for transfer.

57. The Parole Officer/Primary Worker will:
    1. review and discuss the transfer application with the inmate and, if necessary, with other members of the Case Management Team focusing on how the proposed transfer meets the objectives of the Correctional Plan
    2. advise the inmate applying for an inter-regional transfer that they should indicate a preferred institution on the application and whether or not they are willing to transfer to any institution in the receiving region
    3. where applicable, update the Correctional Plan, including the healing components of the Correctional Plan in the case of an offender transferring to a section 81 facility, in consultation with the inmate
    4. complete the Assessment for Decision identified in Annex C within 30 days of receipt of the application.
58. The sending institution will lock the Assessment for Decision, enter the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet on OMS and send the application to the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region for their review, in cases where the Institutional Head supports the application.
59. The Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region will:
    1. request comments from the proposed receiving site or from a site that would better meet the inmate’s needs, which are to be provided within 10 working days
    2. provide the recommendation to the decision maker pursuant to Annex B.
60. When a decision is made, the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region will notify the sending institutional staff as well as the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region of the decision.
61. Institutional staff will then notify the inmate of the decision pursuant to Annex B.

62. The Parole Officer at the sending institution will:
    1. complete the Assessment for Decision pursuant to Annex C and leave it unlocked
    2. notify the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region by email of the Assessment for Decision draft submitted for their review, who in turn will, within one working day, forward it to the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region.
63. The Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region will:
    1. review the request and consult with the proposed institution(s)
    2. submit the comments provided by the institution(s) to the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region.
64. The Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region will notify institutional staff, who will enter the comments in the Assessment for Decision and lock the document.
65. Pursuant to section 12 of the CCRR, Annex B of these Guidelines and CD 701 - Information Sharing, the Institutional Head or designate will ensure the procedural fairness process is completed with the inmate at least two working days before the transfer by:
    1. providing the inmate with a copy of:
       1. the Assessment for Decision
       2. the written notice of the involuntary transfer recommendation
       3. any other information that will be used in the decision-making process
    2. providing the inmate two working days to respond in person or in writing to the proposed transfer.
66. The Institutional Head can grant, within one working day of receiving the request, an extension of up to 10 working days. When the inmate responds in person, the response must be documented in a "Casework Record - Rebuttal".
67. The Institutional Head of the sending institution will provide comments and address the inmate's rebuttal (if one is submitted) via the recommendation section of the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
68. The Notice of Involuntary Transfer Recommendation and the inmate's rebuttal (if one is submitted) are forwarded to the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region who will provide comments via the recommendation section of the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
69. The Regional Transfer Coordinator of the sending region will forward the information to the Regional Transfer Coordinator of the receiving region to obtain the final decision. (Refer to Annex B for the timeframes for decision.)
70. The inmate will be provided with a copy of the final decision and the reasons via the CSC Board Review/Referral Decision Sheet.
71. Refer to GL 710-2-2 - Inter-Regional Transfers by Air for the processes applicable to those transfers.

72. Procedures for transferring an inmate to a provincial/territorial facility are included in the Exchange of Service Agreement for the province/territory involved in the transfer. Please refer to CD 541 - Interjurisdictional and CCRA Section 81 Agreements for the framework for the negotiation, management and delivery of Exchange of Service Agreements with the provinces/territories.
73. Procedures for an international transfer to and from Canada are outlined in CD 704 - International Transfers.

Assistant Commissioner,

Correctional Operations and Programs

Original signed by:

Alain Tousignant

Annex A
Cross-References and Definitions

CD 001 - Mission, Values and Ethics Framework of the Correctional Service of Canada
CD 541 - Interjurisdictional and CCRA Section 81 Agreements
CD 550 - Inmate Accommodation
CD 566-6 - Security Escorts
CD 568-7 - Management of Incompatible Offenders
CD 701 - Information Sharing
CD 702 - Indigenous Offenders
CD 704 - International Transfers
CD 705-3 - Immediate Needs Identification and Admission Interviews
CD 705-6 - Correctional Planning and Criminal Profile
CD 705-7 - Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement
CD 708 - Special Handling Unit
CD 710-1 - Progress Against the Correctional Plan
GL 710-2-1 - CCRA Section 81: Transfers
GL 710-2-2 - Inter-Regional Transfers by Air
CD 710-3 - Temporary Absences
CD 710-4 - Perimeter Security Clearance
CD 710-6 - Review of Inmate Security Classification
CD 710-7 - Work Releases
CD 710-8 - Private Family Visits
CD 711 – Structured Intervention Units
CD 715-3 - Community Assessments
CD 784 - Victim Engagement
CD 843 - Interventions to Preserve Life and Prevent Serious Bodily Harm

Offender Records System User's Guide
Indigenous Social History Tool

Case conference: a formal meeting, consultation, or discussion about an inmate between two or more individuals.

Emergency transfer: the involuntary transfer of an inmate who cannot be managed effectively in the sending institution and who therefore poses an immediate safety risk to the public, staff and/or inmate(s) of the sending institution.

High Watch: an enhanced observation status for inmates who are at imminent risk for suicidal or self-injurious behaviour or who have been identified by a health care professional as having a serious mental illness with significant impairment where there is a risk of serious bodily harm that cannot be safely managed within the normal institutional routine, during which the inmate is under continuous direct observation.

Modified Watch: an enhanced observation status for inmates who are at elevated risk for suicidal or self-injurious behaviour, or who have been identified by a health care professional as having a serious mental illness with significant impairment where there is a risk of serious bodily harm that cannot be safely managed within the normal institutional routine, during which the inmate is under continuous observation.

Without delay: immediately unless there are compelling circumstances preventing immediate action and in those circumstances, the delay cannot be more than 24 hours.

Annex B
Delegation of Authority, Timeframes for Decision and Timeframes for Inmate's Notification

Annex C
Assessment for Decision for Transfers - Report Outline

1. Provide a brief statement of the purpose of the report (e.g. type of transfer: voluntary/involuntary/emergency; inter-regional/intra-regional):
   • to respond to reassessed security requirements
   • to provide access to the home community, a compatible cultural or linguistic environment or required programming
   • to provide access to relevant programs and services, including health care, taking into account the inmate's willingness to participate in those programs and services
   • to provide access to Intermediate Mental Health Care
   • to provide better access to programs and services in the inmate's preferred official language
   • to provide a safe environment to the inmate
   • for assessment purposes
   • for court proceedings
   • to transfer the inmate to an Indigenous correctional facility established under section 81 of the CCRA
   • to separate inmates identified as co-convicted and under current sentence for an offence resulting in death or serious harm and whose association or influence on each other may be detrimental to the rehabilitation and safe reintegration of one or more inmates, or to the safety and security of the institution.
2. Indicate the length of sentence, current offence(s), outstanding charges or appeals, immigration/deportation/extradition status.
3. Confirm the presence and level of support when the purpose of a transfer is to gain access to family and community support.
4. Present new information related to the decision received since completion of the Correctional Plan Update.

1. Risk Factors

   Briefly analyze the inmate's risk factors, specific to the offence cycle as outlined in the Correctional Plan. Incorporate actuarial assessments (e.g. SIR-R1) and reintegration potential.

2. Inmate Security Level Review (Refer to CD 710-6 - Review of Inmate Security Classification)
   Confirm or complete (as required) an analysis of the security level assessment pursuant to section 18 of the CCRR. A statement will be made under each of the following:
   1. institutional adjustment
   2. escape risk
   3. risk to the safety of the public.

Provide an overall assessment incorporating the following elements and, for Indigenous offenders, the overall assessment should be made within the context of their Indigenous social history:

1. results of the case conference with the receiving institution
2. nature and gravity of the offence and the degree of responsibility of the inmate
3. victim concerns (if applicable)
4. consultation with Security Intelligence Officer, where applicable (e.g., incompatibles and affiliations) (if there are no concerns, a statement should be made to that effect)
5. existence of co-convicted inmates
6. recent professional opinions regarding transfer such as from the Case Management Team, Indigenous community representative, health care, mental health, psychological information, police comments and/or previous CSC decisions (if applicable)
7. previous PBC decision (nature and purpose, all relevant comments, specific reference to relevant issues noted in the decision, including demonstrating how concerns/issues previously raised have/have not been addressed)
8. physical or mental health concerns (pursuant to section 87 of the CCRA) as identified by Health/Mental Health Services that would preclude the inmate's transfer
9. current risk
10. inmate engagement
11. outstanding factors requiring intervention
12. an analysis of any high risk behaviours or patterns observed during the sentence. For Indigenous offenders, describe these behaviours within the context of their Indigenous social history
13. inmate's understanding of risk factors and offence cycle, and how risk will be managed
14. consider elements of Indigenous social history for Indigenous offenders
15. for an inmate involved in a healing path, incorporate their understanding of the healing components of the Correctional Plan
16. how the recommendation meets the needs of the inmate while ensuring the safety of the public. For Indigenous offenders, make links between need areas, the offender’s Indigenous social history and how the recommendations will address these needs as per CD 705-6 - Correctional Planning and Criminal Profile, Annex H.

The following will be incorporated into the Overall Assessment for Decision on involuntary transfers.

Analyze all factors that have prompted the proposed transfer, including the details of the precipitating incident(s) (e.g. time, place, damage to property or physical injury, and weapons used) as well as behavioural patterns that may have contributed to the decision to recommend involuntary transfer. This analysis will ensure that the current incident(s) is (are) viewed by the decision maker in the broader context of the inmate’s overall performance throughout incarceration (i.e. context of the present incident(s) as it (they) relate(s) to previous institutional incidents, offence convictions or involuntary transfers). For Indigenous offenders, describe and analyze behaviour patterns within the context of the offender’s Indigenous social history.

Make reference to the existence of security information that relates to the present or previous incident(s) or to the existence of incompatibles at the present and proposed institutions. Provide a rationale where such information cannot be shared with the inmate, or if only the "gist" of the information can be shared.

Consider any pertinent results/recommendations from the psychological and/or psychiatric assessments and/or health care in the final transfer decision.

Consider the offender's Indigenous social history and indicate what culturally appropriate/restorative options have been considered. They must be linked to the decision with a rationale that explains why they did or did not impact the decision.

Indicate clearly what alternatives have been explored. For Indigenous offenders, consider cultural interventions and/or restorative options, including consideration of access to cultural programming, Elders, CCRA section 81 and section 84, identifying why the involuntary transfer is the only reasonable alternative available.

The following will also be incorporated into the Overall Assessment for Decision for the transfer of a medium security inmate to an environment without a secure and directly controlled perimeter:

1. the length of the sentence
2. time remaining before eligibility for Unescorted Temporary Absence (UTA)
3. a requirement that the inmate must be in the "preparation to release" or "reintegration into the community" phase of their long term offender correctional plan as per Annex G of CD 705-6