1. Community safety

Crossroads addresses the needs of both the individual client and the community. The rate of recidivism for ex-offenders is approximately 67% in the first year of release. Crossroads monitors the ex-offender and provides the tools and resources necessary to help him re-enter society while addressing the risk factors that were responsible for his involvement in the criminal justice system. This slow transition in the first year of release, and the close monitoring that is an important part of the Crossroads program, ensure the client re-enters the community in a manner that is both safe for the client and the community.

Crossroads recently celebrated 20 years of successfully transitioning ex-offenders back into the community. The success rate of the Crossroads program in 2005 was 89%*.

St. Leonard’s Society of Toronto has facilitated substance abuse treatment programs for the Correctional Service of Canada since 1997.  Crossroads operates a National Substance Abuse Program to help ex-offenders across the GTA modify their substance abuse and criminal behaviours. Program participants are assessed as high risk/ high needs offenders with a moderate substance abuse problem, and the delivery of this program has strengthened staff’s ability to access motivation for change and implement interventions.

2. Cost

The annual reported cost in 2003/2004 for keeping an offender in a federal institution was $80,965 for men and $150,867 for women. The same study reported that it costs comparatively less to maintain an ex-offender in the community (approximately $20,478 per year). Correctional Service Canada – Publication – Speakers Binder, Sections 7 Statistics
Although Crossroads works with “legislated release” clients who would be released back into the community anyway, their programs are aimed at keeping ex-offenders out of jail by addressing the conditions and behaviours that got them there in the first place. Therefore, the long-term benefits to the community are those of community safety and relief from the financial burdens of incarceration. Since 99.9% of all federal offenders are released back into the community, the services provided by Crossroads are an imperative piece of a successful release process.

1. Individual Counselling

The Individual Counseling program utilizes a Mutual Agree Plan (MAP) as its foundation. Each resident is assigned an individual counselor. The counselor utilizes their skills to develop a plan agreed to by the resident, with their full participation. The goals will be the resident's and therefore the counselor must use various tools to assist the resident in defining these goals, and to assist in achieving them. The MAP specifies the objectives to be addressed, time frame and assistance required, the residents involved in the plan and projected date for discharge. Referrals are made, as appropriate, in regards to various program areas. Support and assistance are provided through the ongoing form and informal counseling. Back to Program Components List

2. Level System

The Level System is designed to place the least restrictions upon those residents who demonstrate the least need for external controls. This is done by monitoring their performance in various areas (life skills, values, financial etc.) over time, and extending further leave and pass privileges. Time frames and standards may be adjusted to meet the individual needs of each resident. Back to Program Components List

3.Employment/ Vocational/ Educational Programs

All staff are able to assist with employment readiness skills i.e. resume completion, interview skill development. CSC’s Corcan Program is an excellent community resource for our residents. In additional, residents can access the computers and internet at our Euston site. Community referrals will also be made when appropriate. Back to Program Components List

4. Financial Program

Employed residents are required to pay an Enhanced Services Fee (ESF) in the amount of $5.00/working. The collection of the ESF as well as financial planning is an integral program component in facilitating the resident’s successful reintegration to the community. Back to Program Components List

5. Leisure/Recreational/Social Programs

The MAP encourages each resident to develop a number of goals which include recreational, physical and social programs. These programs may be self-directed or include group activities organized by Crossroads. Back to Program Components List

6. Spiritual Program

In developing a program based on individual needs Crossroads acknowledges and supports the right to religious and spiritual freedom of its residents. Residents are encouraged to address spiritual development through their MAP goals. Every effort is made to respond to this need area via appropriate community referrals. Back to Program Components List

7. Substance Abuse Program

Crossroads believes it is critical that working relationship with community agencies dealing with substance abuse treatment be developed and maintained in order to maximize the assistance provide to residents. Currently the staff team employs two trained NSAP (National Substance Abuse Program) facilitators which enable individual counseling to occur while awaiting participation in formal CSC group treatment.

Crossroads does not permit any alcohol or drugs on the premises. Furthermore, no client, staff or visitor will be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the premises. Violations of this house rule will be dealt with on an individual basis and does not necessarily mean a termination of support for residency.

The Crossroads Program does support discretionary use of a breathalyzer (in-house) and urinalysis (CSC) testing. Back to Program Components List

8. Community Involvement Program

Crossroads promotes resident community involvement via volunteer work until paid employment is secured. In additional those residents whom are unable to work due to disability, pension or immigration matters will be assessed by staff to determine what community involvement would be appropriate. Back to Program Components List

House Rules

1. No physical violence, threats of violence or verbal abuse towards peers, staff, or the community will be allowed.
2. Alcohol or other drugs are not permitted on the premises, nor will any client, staff or visitor be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the premises.
3. Clients must report all departure agendas accurately, including addresses, names and telephone numbers, as appropriate. They will be held accountable and responsible for their whereabouts and all curfews. Staff will approve destinations and will randomly verify a client's whereabouts in the community.
4. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.
5. Clients will actively participate in establishing and working towards goals and objectives consistent with their Correctional Treatment Plan.

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House Expectations

1. Each client will be issued linen and a room key. A $10 key & linen deposit is required. Loss of any item will result in a charge for its replacement.
2. Rooms will be assigned by staff and are subject to change at staff discretion. A key will be issued for each room. Room and house cleanliness is part of the program and the responsibility of the Clients. Clients will be assigned a chore that will rotate biweekly.
3. Clients must become familiar with the Fire and Evacuation procedures and the location of the Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Exits. Clients will also be required to participate in regular fire drills.
4. No knives or like objects are allowed in bedrooms.
5. All medication will be given to staff upon return to the House and kept in a locked cabinet/refrigerator. Clients are not to have medication in their rooms. Prescribed medication will be self-administered in the presence of staff and signed in the medication log. Clients are to advise staff of any allergies or medical conditions that could require the urgent intervention of staff and/or emergency medical assistance. Residents are responsible for carrying on their person any medication that requires immediate and/or urgent usage (e.g. inhaler for asthma).
6. Client rooms, possessions and clothes are subject to routine search, as required. The employees of a CRF are authorized to conduct searches under Section 66 of the CCRA when there is suspicion of a breach of conditions.
7. Proof of employment status (pay stubs or a written letter from your employer) will be required.
8. Internet access is not permitted in client rooms.
9. Clients are expected to participate in the following meetings:
• House Meetings are held every other week.
• Individual Counselling with Case Manager - a minimum of once per week.
• Meetings will be arranged with the P.O. These may be joint meetings with staff.
• Special meetings may be called to address specific issues, concerns or projects.
10. An Enhanced Services Fee (ESF) of $5.00 per working day to a maximum of $25.00/week will be charged to each client. The ESF may be paid by doing extra work around the house when not employed, based on ten (10) hours of work being the equivalent of one week of the fee. Failure to keep Enhanced Service Fees paid up to date may result in restriction of Pass or Leave privileges.
11. All Clients who are not on shift work are to be up by 0800 hours and on the main floor before 0900 hours.
12. Clients will be required to consult with their Case Manager and Parole Officer prior to purchasing and/or possessing a pager or cellular telephone.
13. Clients will be required to consult with their Case Manager and Parole Officer in order to obtain driving privileges.
14. All Clients are required to identify their visitors to staff and ensure they report upon arrival and departures. The "host" client is responsible for explaining visiting expectations to his visitors and he is responsible for their behaviour. Staff may limit the number of visitors and bar certain individuals from the property as they deem necessary. Visitors are not permitted in bedrooms. All visitors must be off the property by 2300 hours Sunday through Thursday and by 0100 hours Friday, Saturday and Holidays. Guests may arrive after 1600 (non-program hours). Children are to be in the company of their parents/guardians at all times while in the CRF.
15. Wake-ups will be performed only until a resident has received his first pay cheque, at which time he is expected to purchase an alarm clock.
16. Clients may be required to comply with requests for breath or urine testing as a condition of residency.
17. Clients are expected to participate in the Mutually Agreed Plan process in an active fashion.
18. Clients will be assigned a chore and are expected to complete it according to the chore description in a timely fashion.
19. Clients are not allowed in each other’s bedrooms.
20. Clients will be allowed leave privileges in accordance with the current CRF level system or, under special circumstances, alternate arrangements will be made in consultation with the Parole Officer.
21. Clients are not permitted to sign out prior to 0800 unless for employment purposes or at the discretion of staff which will be assessed on an individual basis.