The purpose of this study was to review CSC’s policies, practices and programs in meeting the needs of federally sentenced offenders with mental health and addiction issues. This study was necessary considering that:

• The demand for mental health services in the federal correctional system has increased considerably in recent years;
• The unmet needs of offenders with mental health and addiction problems are both urgent and troubling;[149]

• Offenders who do not receive the treatment and programs they need are more likely to reoffend after their release which could compromise public safety.

In light of the evidence we heard, the Committee must conclude that CSC is not able at this time to offer adequate treatment and support to the majority of inmates with mental health and addiction issues in its custody. As a rule, although inmates admitted to RTCs receive adequate support, often they have to leave this therapeutic environment too early due to a lack of space. As a result, many offenders once again find themselves in a state of psychological distress shortly after being returned to the general prison population. This generally leads to administrative segregation in conditions that are further harmful to their mental health. Successive or extended periods of segregation also reduces their access to much needed correctional programs and services. Offenders with mental health problems who do not meet the admission criteria of RTCs also find themselves in a difficult situation. CSC simply does not have the capacity to treat them and most of them receive limited clinical attention. This appears to be the case with the majority of inmates with mental health problems who are in CSC custody.

The Committee agrees with the Correctional Investigator and a good many of our witnesses that CSC should give priority to providing sufficient and quality care, treatment and programs to offenders with mental health and addiction issues in order to support their rehabilitation. The human and financial resources available to CSC must be sufficient to address this urgent need. It is especially critical that prompt action be taken to improve CSC’s results in this regard given the anticipated increase in the federal correctional population.

Finally, the Committee recognizes that every effort must be made to prevent the criminalization and incarceration of persons who commit offences due to mental health issues and addictions. Resolving this problem goes far beyond the CSC’s mandate; it requires significant investments in prevention and diversion. The federal, provincial and territorial governments must work together and invest in, together with community partners, a system based on mental health promotion, prevention and early detection and access to care and quality treatment in the community. This approach recognizes that the correctional environment is not ideal for treating offenders with mental health issues and addictions. However, when incarceration is considered the appropriate response to the crime and as necessary for ensuring public safety, the Committee firmly believes that action must be taken for their rehabilitation and for the implementation of a range of programs to ensure their successful reintegration in the community.