C-STEP Program
General Program Description
The C-STEP Program offers intensive rehabilitative services to offenders and ex-offenders in the community. These services are offered through individual counselling and group interventions. A range of programs are offered covering two major areas: cognitive restructuring and employability skill development.
Cognitive Restructuring-Based Group Interventions:
Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM) - Community Version
Integrated Correctional Program Model Maintenance Program (ICPMMP)
Generic Relapse Prevention Program (GRP)
Adaptive and Creative Thinking (ACT) Program
Employability Skills Development:
Employment Preparation Program
Individual Employment Counselling
Youth Services Program (YSP)
Workplace Safety Workshops
Computer Tutoring Program
Linkages Program
Skills Link Program
Drop-in Services
A detailed description of each is provided below.
Eligibility
Any offender or ex-offender may apply to the program. Referrals are accepted from the clients themselves, parole officers, probation officers, classification officers, social workers, counsellors or family members. All applicants are assessed through an interview process.
Cognitive Restructuring-Based Group Interventions
The Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM) is a new Correctional Service of Canada programming model for federal male offenders that begins at intake (20-25 sessions, continuous intake) and extends into their community release. The model consists of a Multi-Target Program, a Sex Offender Program and an Aboriginal Specific Mulit-Target Program. It is presently being piloted in British Columbia and Atlantic regions and has replaced all of Core programming as it has existed in those regions (ie. Substance Abuse, Family Violence, etc.). This program is based on the criminogenic needs of moderate to high risk offenders by addressing the top four risk factors that are common to each. The community version of the program is designed as a condensed version of the institutional ICPM for released supervised offenders that have not availed of programming while serving their sentence in an institution.
The Integrated Correctional Program Model Maintenance Program (ICPMMP) is a continuous intake program (up to 12 weekly sessions) for federal offenders. The program refreshes and reinforces key skills learned through ICPM either in the institution or in the community. It also serves as a maintenance program for offenders that have completed programs from the original suite of programs in the institution before the change to ICPM. This program is designed to help develop and improve self-management skills by concentrating on five personal targeted risk areas developed by the offender.
Generic Relapse Prevention is a ‘brief’ intervention (six group sessions) designed to assist participants in understanding their offense cycles and relapse prevention, as well as provide them with coping strategies to decrease likelihood of a relapse. It attempts to provide basic self-management skills which can be reinforced through subsequent, more extensive programs.
Adaptive and Creative Thinking (ACT) Program. This project, funded by HRLE, was first piloted in September of 2003 and is designed to expose HRLE at-risk youth (ages 18-29 years) to cognitive strategies and skills that helps them approach their current dilemmas in a more adaptive, creative and solution-focussed manner. By teaching them the skills and attitudes required to be successful in the labour market, the program is significantly improving their employability. C-STEP partners with agencies delivering the Skills Link and Linkages programs, delivering the ACT workshop as part of the participant’s orientation before they commence employment placements. This strategy appears to be very helpful to clients entering the workforce in terms of increasing job maintenance outcomes.
Employability Skills Development
The Employment Preparation Program focuses on career self-exploration/personal evaluation, skills enhancement, and job maintenance skills. Follow-up placement subsequent to group work provides opportunities for work experiences in the private sector or support in retraining. Close links are maintained with JHS Employment Services on Water St. in order to effectively coordinate client interventions.
Individual Employment Counselling is offered to assist clients in securing job placements. This last step of career development is often the most daunting and challenging for clients. This service bridges a critical gap in a client’s transition to independent, pro-social living by liaising with potential employers and clients through initial hiring and job maintenance.
C-STEP also offers a Linkages project which continues to be supported by Human Resources, Labour and Employment. Funding is provided for employment placements and supportive bi-weekly sessions. This program provides an immense opportunity to our clients who are trying to enter the job market.
Skills Link is a wage subsidy program offering support for clients ages 15 - 30 entering the work force. Services are offered to ten clients annually.
The Youth Services Program (YSP) offers support to youth between the ages of 18 and 25. It provides supportive counselling services including employment, educational and/or training opportunities. (see a more detailed description under ‘services’).
C-STEP offers Workplace Safety Workshops four times per year. These workshops are half or full day workshops. Upon completion clients receive a certificate and can add the workshops to their resume. (Basic First Aid, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems) and Flagsperson Safety).
The volunteer assisted computer tutoring program is designed to help clients become computer literate or proficient in basic software. This one-on-one, self-paced program utilizes community volunteers to provide clients with training in various computer software application and operating programs that they otherwise would not have access to. Key-In Technical College continues to provide opportunity for challenge exams (fees paid by HRLE) and certificates.
Long term follow-up services to all participants completing any of the above training programs are available for an indefinite time period. This ranges from free résumé and faxing services to personal counselling.
Staff Resources
- Director
- Administrative Assistant
- Senior Program Facilitator
- 3-4 Program Facilitators
- Computer Tutor Volunteers
Contact Information
Director: Carolyn Hapgood30 Harvey Road
St. John's NL
A1C 2G1
Tel: (709) 739-7953
Fax: (709) 739-4999
Email: cstep@jhsnl.ca