When a BC Correctional Officer in Kamloops wanted to work with inmates to create a safer, more engaging environment, she started by delving into research about successful initiatives in other communities. Encouraged by management and supervisors, she then pitched the 㽶ƵֱRight Living Approach㽶Ƶֱ to her co-workers. 㽶ƵֱAn overwhelming number of staff responded, a result both of how well she prepared and her passion for the issue,㽶Ƶֱ says Stephanie Macpherson, Provincial Director of BC Corrections㽶Ƶֱ Adult Custody Division. 㽶ƵֱWe opened a unit earlier this spring and the feedback from staff and inmates has been unbelievable.㽶Ƶֱ
That kind of initiative reflects BC Corrections㽶Ƶֱ emphasis not only on supporting inmates, but also staff 㽶Ƶֱ providing opportunities for them to explore their passions and grow in their career.
Empowering staff for positive change
This focus on leadership, progressive ideas and professional development is part of what makes BC Corrections an for many 㽶Ƶֱ timely as the in many regions.
㽶ƵֱFor me, the focus is all on the people,㽶Ƶֱ Macpherson says. 㽶ƵֱI tell our wardens, 㽶ƵֱIf you take care of the staff, everything else will fall into place.㽶Ƶֱ㽶Ƶֱ
Modelling a 㽶Ƶֱpeople-first㽶Ƶֱ approach to inmates
㽶ƵֱWe are a 㽶Ƶֱpeople first㽶Ƶֱ organization 㽶Ƶֱ which means we are always thinking of the people when we make decisions, and as we develop our principles, values and goals. People matter, whether it㽶Ƶֱs the inmate in our custody or our staff who want to help support that person in custody who wants to turn their life around. We invest in our staff to ensure our organization is agile, responsive and able to excel in pursuing its mission of public safety.㽶Ƶֱ
This people-first approach extends to staff㽶Ƶֱs interactions with inmates, including a shift from a 㽶Ƶֱsupervisory㽶Ƶֱ focus to exploring how to help. 㽶ƵֱPart of our job is to care, and how we care is a big part of that,㽶Ƶֱ Macpherson says. 㽶ƵֱWhen someone comes through our door, it㽶Ƶֱs our job to help them figure out how they got here and how to not return. Our staff don㽶Ƶֱt judge people, they accept them where they㽶Ƶֱre at and help identify and build upon their strengths.㽶Ƶֱ
The Right Living Approach in Kamloops is a perfect example. Participating inmates make decisions about how their living unit will operate, electing a leader and working together to build a smooth-running community. In this mutually respectful environment, inmates can open up with staff and each other about their life experiences 㽶Ƶֱ about the path that brought them to prison 㽶Ƶֱ and with that vulnerability and empathy the healing process begins.
㽶ƵֱWith open communication and a community built on respect, look at the opportunities we have to help them,㽶Ƶֱ Macpherson says.
A trauma-informed approach, with greater awareness of mental health issues, helps Correctional Officers form relationships with vulnerable people who often haven㽶Ƶֱt had a role model before.
㽶ƵֱComing to us from all walks of life and with many experiences, our Correctional Officers are leaders who work to make a difference,㽶Ƶֱ Macpherson says, highlighting the value of respect, communication and listening.
㽶ƵֱSome of our most effective staff are women and we need more 㽶Ƶֱ their emotional intelligence and communications skills are often so strong.㽶Ƶֱ Beyond appealing locations and flexible work schedules that encourage a work-life balance, many officers appreciate the opportunity to explore professional interests while making a difference.
㽶ƵֱOur staff can be involved and be leaders at all levels of the organization: they are in charge of their .㽶Ƶֱ