Understanding the Placement Process

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 Placement begins as part of release planning through the Correctional Service of Canada.

The individual works with their Institutional Parole Officer and case management team to develop a release plan, which includes potential community placement options.

A Community Assessment is then initiated for the selected location.

A Community Assessment is a formal review of whether a specific placement is appropriate.

It is typically reviewed by a Community Assessment Team (CAT), which may include:

• CSC staff 
• CRF staff 
• Community partners (local police)

The decision is based on available information, including the individual’s file and release plan.

 Placement is influenced by:

• CSC (case management and planning) 
• The receiving facility (CRF or CCC) 
• The Community Assessment Team 

Facilities have the ability to determine whether they can accept an individual based on suitability and capacity.

 Several factors can improve the likelihood of acceptance:

• Applying early and maintaining contact with the facility 
• Demonstrating engagement in the correctional plan 
• Completing required programming 
• Maintaining positive institutional behaviour 
• Having a clear and realistic release plan

 A strong plan typically includes:

• Employment, school, or structured daily activity 
• Plans to address substance use or mental health needs 
• Community supports or connections 
• A clear reason for choosing the location 
• Why a specific location makes sense 
• How the individual plans to succeed 

A strong, well-developed release plan that can significantly impact placement outcomes.

Facilities are more likely to support applications that show preparation and stability.

 Not all applications are approved.

Common reasons may include:

• Needs exceeding what the facility can support 
• Incompatibility with other residents 
• History of behaviour that raises safety concerns 
• Weak or unclear release plan

 The process generally includes:

1. Speaking with your Institutional Parole Officer 
2. Requesting a Community Assessment for a specific location 
3. Contacting the facility directly (in many cases) 
4. Completing an application, if required (request from facility)
5. Attending an interview or review process 

Applications are typically reviewed by a Community Assessment Team before a decision is made.

No.

Placement depends on:

• Suitability 
• Availability 
• Facility capacity 
• Overall assessment 

Even strong candidates may not be accepted at a specific location.

Individuals play an active role in where they are placed.

As part of the release planning process, individuals can:

• Identify the communities or cities they want to be released to 
• Request specific facilities as part of their release plan 
• Contact facilities directly and express interest 
• Work with their Institutional Parole Officer to build a plan around their preferred location 

In many cases, individuals apply to more than one facility and take steps to improve their chances of being accepted.

While final decisions are based on assessment, suitability, and availability, individuals who are prepared, engaged, and proactive can have a strong influence on where they are placed.

Individuals have the right to be involved in their correctional planning and to be informed about decisions that affect their release.

They may:

• Participate in developing their release plan 
• Receive information about decisions related to their case 
• Communicate with their case management team 

At the same time, final decisions are made by the appropriate authorities based on public safety and overall assessment.

Placement is a collaborative process. While it is not entirely up to the individual, those who take an active role in planning, communication, and preparation are often in a stronger position when decisions are made.