If a learner leaves a correctional institution before completing training and wants to continue in the Literacy and Basic Skills program, the learner will be referred to other Literacy and Basic Skills service providers in their area.
Initiative: Corrections Literacy Initiative
How many learners does this initiative help, and how was the number chosen?
The annual learner target of up to 1,200 is based on the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s estimation that 20 percent of the institutions’ offender population would be interested in Literacy and Basic Skills programming. However, the percentage of learners served at each institution differs based on class sizes in an institutional environment, security protocols,… Continue reading How many learners does this initiative help, and how was the number chosen?
How were correctional institutions chosen to take part in this initiative?
The correctional institutions were chosen based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, lack of available educational/training-related programming, total inmate population, and high demand for programming based on inmate population. Priority was given to institutions with Indigenous and women inmate populations.
Can a service provider deliver the Corrections Literacy Initiative at more than one correctional institution?
Yes. If the service provider meets the selection criteria, they can deliver at more than one institution.
How were service providers chosen to participate in this initiative?
The assessment and selection of service providers were undertaken using service provider performance data and local intelligence inputs to ensure an evidence-based approach. The following criteria were applied in the process: Organizational capacity to deliver in-year, and time-limited essential skills Experience working with populations facing complex barriers to success, including Indigenous groups and vulnerable women.… Continue reading How were service providers chosen to participate in this initiative?
Are there any options for sharing best practices among Corrections Literacy Initiative providers?
The ministry encourages Corrections Literacy Initiative providers to communicate with one another through, for example, a Community of Practice, to share best practices and lessons learned.
Are there any plans to expand the Corrections Literacy Initiative into the remaining provincial correctional institutions?
The ministry is focused on addressing service delivery challenges within the current institutions that will improve performance outcomes. There are no plans to expand at this time.
At what locations is the Corrections Literacy Initiative offered?
Currently, the Corrections Literacy Initiative is offered at the following correctional institutions across Ontario: Kenora Jail Algoma Treatment & Remand Centre Sudbury Jail Thunder Bay Jail Toronto East Detention Centre Vanier Centre for Women (Milton) Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre Niagara Detention Centre South West Detention Centre Quinte Detention Centre Ottawa Carlton Detention Thunder Bay Correctional… Continue reading At what locations is the Corrections Literacy Initiative offered?
What performance measures are being used to evaluate the success of the pilot?
The ministry has identified the following four performance measures to evaluate the pilot: Learner Progress: The progress of participants, who are in a provincial correctional facility for a longer period, in completing the activities as per the learning plan they developed (with their service provider) after they have registered for the LBS program; Re-Registration: The… Continue reading What performance measures are being used to evaluate the success of the pilot?
How is the ministry tracking Corrections Literacy Initiative participants after they are released?
As per the Literacy and Basic Skills Guidelines, service providers are expected to attempt follow-ups with these participants upon release. To support this activity, the ministry implemented system enhancements to capture more relevant and accurate details on Corrections Literacy Initiative learner participation and outcomes. Service providers are able to include a Start Date and an… Continue reading How is the ministry tracking Corrections Literacy Initiative participants after they are released?