New Haven.* The amendment increased
caseloads for probation officers. This was
because all inmates released from the YOU, at
the discretion of the B.C. Parole Board, were
supervised by the Probation Branch.

Restructuring also resulted in program
alternatives and expansion of facilities for
female offenders:

a 1952—an occupational therapy program was
implemented; and

a 1953—a vocational room and two
cottage-style buildings, each accommodating
12 female inmates, was added to the Oakalla
Women’s Gaol.

These improvements segregated younger
female inmates from the older, more
experienced population.

A significant policy change also occurred in
1953 in the administration of the forestry camp
program. The forestry camp now referred to as
Kettle River Rehabilitation Camp, operating in
the Nelson Forest District, was given the status
of a provincial gaol. This development allowed
inmates to be transferred directly from Oakalla
and the YOU, rather than released under the
Ticket of Leave Act. This successful project led to
forestry camps being established year-round in
the B.C. Corrections Service.

Therapy and treatment

The new administrative structure encouraged
different therapeutic techniques to effect
behavioural change. A number of studies and
experimental programs were initiated with
selected groups of offenders. During 1953,
funds were also made available by the federal
and provincial governments to study drug
addiction before deciding how to treat and
rehabilitate addicts.

The project began at Oakalla through the UBC
Research Committee, under the directorship of
Dr, George Stevenson. The research started in
Match 1954 and was officially completed in
June 1956.

Following this research, two treatment and
rehabilitation centres were established:

a The Narcotic Addiction Foundation of
British Columbia; and

« A treatment centre at Oakalla Prison Farm.

An experimental project utilizing plastic surgery
on inmates was started by Dr. E. Lewison
during 1953-54. Electric shock therapy® was
commenced by Dr. Ernest Campbell, the
consulting psychiatrist for the gaol.
Electroencephalogram studies’ wete initiated at
Oakalla.

4 Up to this date, definite and indeterminate sentencing was only available for inmates at New Haven Borstal
Institution, a facility re-established in 1947 for young adult offenders.

5 The Elizabeth Fry Society assisted in the operation of this program.

6 Inmates were recommended by Dr. Richmond to undertake this therapy. In most cases, “consent” to administer
shock therapy was obtained from the inmates. Its use was recommended for “agitated” and “depressed” inmates
and positive results occurred. Many recipients of the therapy were not committed to the Provincial Mental
Hospital and returned to the main gaol in an improved mental state.

7 This instrument was studied as a potential diagnostic aid in assessment. It was thought that it could assist the
courts in a general assessment of the personality of the accused.

Era of Rebabilitation (1950-1969)

67