Very few offenders serve life sentences. This means that many who have committed serious and violent crimes will eventually be eligible for parole. Rather than release offenders directly into society, Corrections Services of Canada (CSC) often chooses to put them on statutory release and place them into halfway houses.
But when it comes to high-risk offenders, few halfway houses have the capacity or security measures to adequately accommodate them. When Vancouver’s Belkin House opened in 2004, the entire fourth floor was designated as an enhanced Community Residential Facililty (CRF).
“The CRF houses up to 30 high-risk federal offenders and is a one-of-a-kind halfway house in Canada,” says Captain Jim Coggles, executive director of Belkin House. “We offer a high level of supervision and work in close partnership with parole officers.”
The facility has five apartments, each containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living/dining room and a small kitchen with a stove and refrigerator. It also has 10 single residential rooms equipped with microwaves and small refrigerators. In addition to the residential rooms, there are two offices for Salvation Army personnel and five for CSC parole officers. The Salvation Army and CSC staff work together to help reintegrate the offenders into society.
“Last year, 150 men stayed with us in this program,” says Captain Coggles. “Many have been hardened by life in institutions, so they are starting from scratch. We have a special calling to reach out to them with the good news of Jesus Christ and to assist them in practical ways.”
Depending on when their warrant expires, the men reside at the CRF for a few months to a few years. The offenders meet regularly with their case workers and parole officers to ensure that they are following the guidelines of their release. In addition, Belkin House offers a variety of programs to help the men make positive lifestyle choices and develop practical skills.
“We believe that everyone has the potential for change,” says Virginia Lundy, CRF manager. “No matter their histories, we want to help these men get a new start so that they can contribute positively to society.”
Bottom photo: Virginia Lundy, CRF manager, and a CSC parole officer screen potential residents arriving from institutions