Learning Resources Program (LRP)
ELIGIBILITY
The Learning Resources Program (LRP) provides program opportunities (group and individual counselling) for offenders on Probation, Electronic Monitoring, Conditional Sentencing or various Early Release programs.
Probation is a court imposed, community-based sentence designed for offenders who require supervision, control and counselling to develop their potential as law abiding members of the community. Depending upon their individual needs offenders may be required to:
- participate in counselling programs
- abstain from the use of alcohol and/or other prohibited drugs
- make restitution for any damages caused
- perform community service work.
The Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program was initiated by the Department of Justice in the Fall of 1994. At present, this program allows for moderate risk inmates in St. John's and Stephenville area to be released to their homes wearing an electronic bracelet. The program is supervised by the staff of Adult Corrections. This "house arrest" approach has been utilized elsewhere in North America.
An assessment by the staff of the LRP will determine eligibility for the program as well as the length, type and intensity of intervention. At present, this program serves only Provincial offenders.
General Program Description
The Learning Resources Program of the John Howard Society provides rehabilitative programming to individuals supervised through such programs with the goal of reducing the risk of recidivism. The program addresses issues such as Anger, Substance Abuse, Gambling, Problem Solving, Anti-Social Attitudes and Criminal Associations.
Therapeutic programs are developed in response to the needs of offenders served. Typical program offerings include:
- OASIS (Male Batterers Group)
- Criminal Behaviour Awareness Group
- Sex Offender Group
- Driving While Impaired (Intermittent Sentence Group), Co-facilitated with HMP
- Violent Offender Group
- Female Criminal Behaviour Program
Individual counselling occurs simultaneously and provides clients the opportunity to personalize and to further explore issues introduced in group sessions.
How to Apply
Any offender who receives a prison sentence or a period of probation, may apply for admittance to the LRP. Those serving a prison sentence may make application through their Classification Officer at Her Majesty's Penitentiary (HMP) for Early Release. The initial screening will determine eligibility for a release program through HMP, or for placement on house arrest through the Electronic Monitoring Program.
Offenders placed on probation may apply to the program through referral from their Probation Officer. Any person in conflict with the law (past or current) may self refer. An intake assessment is utilized to determine eligibility.
Staff Resources
- Director
- Senior Program Facilitator
- 5 Program Facilitators
- Office Manager
Benefits of the LRP
- Opportunity to discuss personal problems in a private and confidential manner with professional counsellors.
- First step in sorting out problems in order to stay out of jail.
- Chance to share similiar problems and goals with others in a positive setting.
- Opportunity to learn new skills in problem solving, anger management and coping mechanisms for dealing with substance abuse.
- Chance to learn about themselves and the impact of their offending behavior.
- Opportunity to discuss problems which led to criminal activity while being permitted to reside in the community.
- Option of continuing with employment, or having the time to search for employment.
The LRP can assist with referrals to other John Howard Society programs and outside community agencies, such as: Employment Counsellors, Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Addiction Dependency Services, Education Up-Grading and other specialized services.
Contact Information
Director: Greg McCann-Beranger, MSW, RSW426 Water Street
St. John's, NL
A1C 1E2
Tel: (709) 726-5566
Fax: (709) 726-5508
Email: jhs@lrp-stjohns.com