A program evaluation of Toronto halfway houses.

Abstract

This study examines the needs of all offenders being released to Toronto during a three month period; July 1 to September 30, 1988. It's purpose is to identify any needs which may exist in Toronto both in terms of a need for halfway house beds and programming needs within the houses. From the data we gathered, we were able to conclude that there is currently no policy which requires that offenders be matched to halfway houses according to their individual needs. We also found that: (1) Mandatory Supervision cases are the highest in terms of risk and need, yet they receive the least structure release of all early releases. Day Parole releases, on the other hand, have the fewest needs and present the lowest risk, yet they receive the most structured form of release, with mandatory halfway house residence. (2) There is a lack of structured programming in Toronto halfway houses, and the programs which do exist are often duplicated, where other needs are not met through any type of programming. (3) There does appear to be a small shortage of beds for Day Parole releases and a great shortage of beds for Mandatory Supervision releases. From these conclusions we were able to make recommendations concerning release policy and how it relates to halfway houses. These recommendations are designed to make the release and treatment of offenders more cost effective as well as to reduce the chances of recidivism. They require both policy and legislative changes in order to be implemented. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)