Therapeutic Offender Intervention Programme

In the early 90’s, we were stymied by the lack of resources/programmes available for a substantial percentage of individuals referred to us, specifically, those with a cognitive disability who had also been convicted of a criminal offense.

There were no appropriate diversions available in British Columbia at that time – nor has there been any developed in the intervening years – nor are there any available presently. Incarceration is inappropriate and, without therapeutic interventions, the individual most often offends again.

As we all know, this “revolving door” (offend, minimal or no appropriate interventions or training, placement back into the original environment or community, offend again, and so on) is very expensive to the community, the province, and society in general. This is true in terms of financial costs (legal, Court, medical, social, etc.), as well as the incalculable emotional/financial demands on family, friends, neighbours, and the individuals themselves (who, in most cases, experience, at best, a marginalized quality of life).

In the early 90’s, the Queenswood Group began developing ideas, hypotheses, and interventive approaches designed to decrease the likelihood for future offending while also providing a means to stabilize and/or build on critical aspects of the individual’s life, such as:

• Structure and routine
• Physical health
• Mental health including additions
• Nutrition
• Sleep patterns
• Self-esteem and self-worth
• Vocational training
• Needs analysis (behavioural and environmental)
• Community awareness and valuation

Over the years, our hypotheses coalesced into a theoretical environmental/behavioural programme that would provide a secured, intensive, long-term, rehabilitative facility for individuals with cognitive disabilities who had been convicted of a criminal offense and who were felt to be at high risk to offend again. Cognitive disabilities include (but were not restricted to):

• Mental Disabilities
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Brain Injuries or Dysfunctions

Residential placement at this facility will be an alternative to incarceration, or as a stipulation for probation or parole. The intent is to provide therapeutic (social/emotional), behavioural/environmental, educational, and vocational interventions designed to prepare the individual for reintegration into community life within a five-year period or less.

The programme’s focus will be the development of social skills and vocational competence, while, at the same time, reducing antisocial and/or offending behaviours. Via continued assessment and clinical observations, team members will determine progress, modify programming when necessary, and assess the appropriate timing of integration back into the community.

The programme will offer training and educational seminars for caregivers (as well as professionals) of people with cognitive disabilities from anywhere in the Province, as well as related research, (with a particular emphasis on Northern concerns).

Clearly, such a programme can only be successful if there is positive and interactive partnering from a variety of governmental and non-governmental groups, as well as advocates, the communities, and family members.

The Queenswood Group appreciates that this therapeutic interventive programme will be expensive, in terms of initial physical set-up and yearly operational costs. As such, long-term financial sources will need to be identified and secured. To address some of the funding issues, and, at the same time, to develop self-esteem, self and community worth/valuation, and vocational competence, the programme will also provide a number of a fairly unique and radical vocational approaches. Combined with other revenue streams, we foresee financial semi-independence within five to ten years.

It is important to keep in mind that the actual costs of supporting many, if not most, individuals with cognitive dysfunctions and criminal convictions is inestimable when all the deficits to family, social supports, community, and the legal/corrections/forensic systems have been factored in.

It is the Queenswood Group’s belief and conviction that people with cognitive disabilities, who have been convicted of a criminal offense, can live fully integrated lives within the community when provided with stability, understanding, training, success, guidance, and support. In addition, it is our belief that these individuals can be welcomed back into their neighbourhoods and communities as valued and contributing members of society.

It is the Queenswood Group’s mission to promote, develop, and implement innovative and personalized programmes, services, and support so as to provide the Courts, Ministries, Authorities, and non-governmental organizations with a viable alternative to incarceration in jails or psychiatric settings. We have the experience, knowledge, energy, insight/foresight, and will to undertake this proposal. We are in the process of putting into place a non-profit society that will oversee this project and, eventually, manage all aspects of it. This will be named the Queenswood Quality of Life Through Greater Understanding Foundation.

We would like to hear from anyone who has an interest in our programme. Please let us know if you would like to be on our email list to receive information on the progress of our project.

This therapeutic intervention programme

Will lead to . . .

An appreciation of the effects cognitive dysfunctions have on the ability of the individual to correctly perceive their world, as well as an understanding of why challenging behaviours occur;

An appreciation for the extent cognitive disabilities have on an individual’s gifts and needs, as well as an understanding of how best to access gifts and compensate for needs;

An understanding of what is required to provide safe, challenging, nurturing, fulfilling, and enduring environments that are relatively risk free to the individual with cognitive disabilities and the community;

An appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual with cognitive disabilities, as well as an understanding of their potential to contribute to society as a productive and valued member, regardless of the nature or extent of their disability or their offenses; and,

The best chance to provide:  QUALITY OF LIFE