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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