Chapter 7

The Era of Directing Change (1997-2001)

Corrections Branch reorganization

In the 1990s, the regional structure of the
Corrections Branch came under scrutiny. This
structure worked well for years, producing
many programs and innovations in services. On
the down side, however, there was
inconsistency in the operation and delivery of
programs and services across the province. In
addition, making decisions in a timely manner
and managing the Branch budget proved
difficult under the regional model.

The Branch was also challenged with managing
a larger and higher-risk offender population. All
of this happened during a time of budget
restraint and increased media attention. For the
organization to work more efficiently, it was
necessary to have a strong central focus that
would lead to co-ordinated responses.

With the complexity of each role and function,
it was increasingly difficult for a regional
director to be a knowledgeable leader in each of
the five key areas:

» Youth probation;
» Youth correctional institutions;
» Adult community corrections;

« Adult correctional institutions; and

« Family justice services.

Institutions tended to overshadow other
functions under the regional model, because
they were the largest sector and demanded the
most resources. As a result, they attracted most
of the energy of the regional directors.

A new organizational structure became
inevitable when youth correctional services
were identified for transfer to the new Ministry
for Children and Families in late 1996. In 1997,
the Corrections Branch went through the first
major reorganization in approximately 20 years.
By April, the Branch became a functional
sttuctute with six divisions, each with
province-wide responsibilities. The functional
divisions separated community corrections,
adult custody, strategic planning and corporate
programs, family justice services, provincial
releasing authority and youth services.

Provincial directors were appointed to each of
the divisions:

» Ben Stobbe—Adult Custody;

» Rob Watts—Community Corrections;

» Wendy Hacking—Family Justice Services;

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