Managing the Transition from Institution to Community: A Canadian Parole Officer Perspective on the Needs of Newly Released Federal Offenders

Jason D. Brown University of Manitoba _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to describe the needs of newly released federal offenders as perceived by community parole officers. Seventy-four parole officers were asked to answer the following question: “What do offenders need to succeed in the first 90 days after release?” The data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Seven clusters resulted. In the first cluster, food, clothing, and shelter were identified as well as health and transportation needs. In the second cluster, life skills including problem-solving, and budgeting skills were reported. The third cluster included education and employment assistance. In the fourth cluster, the need for correctional programs was identified. The fifth cluster described the need for offenders to have insight into their problem areas. In the sixth cluster, preparation for community supervision during incarceration was described. The seventh cluster described the need for structure of parole decreasing over time. The results are generally consistent with the available literature, indicating that parole officer assessment of offender needs following release into the community is based on factors that have been identi fied in previous research.