28. 46.

Learning the machinist’s trade, New Haven metal shop (1950s) Corrections Branch Archives

A.J. Kitchen joined the Probation Service in
1947 and was the first probation officer to
serve outside the Greater Vancouver area,
He worked in the Fraser Valley
jurisdiction, which included Cloverdale,
Langley Prairie, Abbotsford, Chilliwack,
Mission, Haney and Coquitlam, There was
some initial resistance and skepticism since
probation was new. In October of 1949,
Mr. Kitchen resigned to accept the position
of Chief Probation Officer of the
Winnipeg Juvenile and Family Court. By

this date, probation was accepted as a
useful service.29

In support of the new institution, the B.C.
Borstal Association®’ was incorporated under
the Societtes Act in November 1948.

This association was created to:

» Closely monitor the progress of New Haven
trainees;

» Assist with their employment in the
community; and

29 From excerpts of a letter by A.J. Kitchen, 1980.
30 This association is still active today.

54

Corrections in British Columbia