SESSION 4: Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI) Speaker Series

Topics Covered:

• GENDERED PAROLE: AN EXPLORATION OF TRAUMA-INFORMED AND GENDER-RESPONSIVE APPROACHES TO PAROLE: Over the past ten years, the female federal offender population grew exponentially by 31% in Canada, while the overall federal offender population increased by just 6.6%. The significant increase experienced in the Canadian correctional population is similar to global trends, where there has been a 53% increase of incarcerated women between 2000 and 2017, compared with a 20% increase for incarcerated men. To address the challenges presented by this ever-increasing population, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) conducted a comprehensive review to examine ways in which it could implement gender-responsive and trauma informed approaches for parole hearings. This workshop will discuss the findings from this review and describe implementations being made to hearings and parole processes to better respond to the needs of women offenders. Current initiatives include increased preparation for incarcerated women, enhanced Board member training, modification of hearing practices to foster a safe environment, gender- and culturally-responsive decision-making, and collaborative partnerships that serve to improve the hearing process and results for women offenders. Please join us to learn about some of the successes and challenges the PBC faces as it works towards the successful rehabilitation of women offenders in Canada. On January 3, 2018, Sylvie Blanchet was appointed Executive Vice-Chairperson of the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) for a period of five years. Prior to her appointment, she had been the Regional Director General in the PBC's Atlantic Region where she collaborated regularly with stakeholders and federal and provincial/territorial partners in the criminal justice system, and provided strategic and operational leadership to regional staff. Ms. Blanchet began her career with PBC in 2008. Before joining PBC, Ms. Blanchet worked for Correctional Services Canada (CSC) between 1992 and 2008, in various capacities in both Moncton and Ottawa, including as a Parole Officer, Program Manager, and as Assistant Warden, as well as other managerial roles within the organization. As Executive vice-chairperson, she oversees Board member appointment process, Board member training, quality assurance, as well as professional standards for all governor in council appointments.

Who Should Attend:

• Community Corrections
• Community Corrections
• Parole and Releasing Authority Chairs, Members, and Staff
• Key Staff Professionals in Institutional Parole Agencies
• Parole Analysts and Hearing Examiners
• Probation and Hearing Officers
• Community Corrections Leadership
• Federal, State, and Local Judges
• Criminal Justice Professionals with Job Focus in Parole and Release

For more information, contact:
,
Correctional Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2296
Fax: (936) 294-1671
Phone: