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New Haven bakeshop with instructor, Bill Stead (1950s) Corrections Branch Archives

and a program was introduced that closely
folowed the Borstal system. This corrections
institution was unique in British Columbia,
because there were no warning bells, whistles or
guards.

At the time of reopening, New Haven was
administered through Oakalla to expedite
transfers. Inmates between 16 and 21 years
were selected on the basis of case histories and

psychiatric clinical assessment, and transferred
from Oakalla. Shortly thereafter, in 1948, New
Haven gained independence from Oakalla.”

Selwyn Rocksborough-Smith was hited to head
the B.C. Borstal Association due to his practical
experience working in Borstal units. He was
educated in Toronto at Trinity College, where
he specialized in social services and did two
years of post-graduate work. Prior to joining

28 This occurred through an amendment to the Prisons and Reformatories Act, section 147.

52

Corrections in British Columbia