At risk for residency: a profile of statutory release offenders with a residency condition

Offenders assigned a residency condition upon their statutory release (SR) are often placed in community-based residential facilities (CBRF) because they have higher risk and needs than offenders granted parole. Increasing our understanding of these offenders informs the development of programs and services that target the needs of these offenders.

All federal offenders released or re-released on SR during 2006 were classified into three groups:

• SR with residency – offenders whose first release on SR included a residency condition (n = 656).
• Re-released SR offenders with residency – offenders whose SR had previously been suspended (during the same sentence) and whose first release on SR included a residency condition (n = 525).
• Control group – the remaining offenders released on SR with no residency condition (n = 3,851).

Demographic, correctional, and offence-related profiles of these groups of offenders were created and compared. Offenders were followed for a period of two years following release to examine return to federal custody.

Offenders in the two residency groups were more likely to have: (a) committed a violent and/or serious offence, (b) a current or prior mental health diagnosis, (c) higher risks and needs, and; (d) rated lower on motivation and reintegration potential than offenders on SR with no residency.

Of all offenders on a SR or SR with residency released in 2006, 51% returned to custody within 2 years. The most common reason for return to custody was for a revocation with no offence.

Of offenders returned to custody on a warrant of committal or revocation with offence, those in the residency groups were more likely to have committed justice offences, while those in the no residency group committed more property offences.

These findings have important implications for the management and operation of CBRF tasked with supervising a diverse popluation of offenders admitted with high levels of risk and need. As a result, it may be necessary to re-examine the role of CBRFs and their operational policies to accommodate the complexity of this offender population to both aid in reintegration efforts and to ensure a successful offender transition to the community.

Scott, T-L. & Bottos, S. (2012). At Risk for Residency: A Profile of Statutory Release Offenders With a Residency Condition. Research Report R-261. Ottawa, ON: Correctional Service of Canada.

To obtain a PDF version of the full report, or for other inquiries, please e-mail the Research Branch or contact us by phone at (613) 995-3975.

Prepared by: Terri-Lynne Scott