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 91裸聊视频淩ight Living Approach91裸聊视频� to her co-workers. 91裸聊视频淎n overwhelming number of staff responded, a result both of how well she prepared and her passion for the issue,91裸聊视频� says Stephanie Macpherson, Provincial Director of BC Corrections91裸聊视频� Adult Custody Division. 91裸聊视频淲e opened a unit earlier this spring and the feedback from staff and inmates has been unbelievable.91裸聊视频�
That kind of initiative reflects BC Corrections91裸聊视频� emphasis not only on supporting inmates, but also staff 91裸聊视频� 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 91裸聊视频� timely as the in many regions.
91裸聊视频淔or me, the focus is all on the people,91裸聊视频� Macpherson says. 91裸聊视频淚 tell our wardens, 91裸聊视频業f you take care of the staff, everything else will fall into place.91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频�
Modelling a 91裸聊视频榩eople-first91裸聊视频� approach to inmates
91裸聊视频淲e are a 91裸聊视频榩eople first91裸聊视频� organization 91裸聊视频� 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 it91裸聊视频檚 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.91裸聊视频�
This people-first approach extends to staff91裸聊视频檚 interactions with inmates, including a shift from a 91裸聊视频渟upervisory91裸聊视频� focus to exploring how to help. 91裸聊视频淧art of our job is to care, and how we care is a big part of that,91裸聊视频� Macpherson says. 91裸聊视频淲hen someone comes through our door, it91裸聊视频檚 our job to help them figure out how they got here and how to not return. Our staff don91裸聊视频檛 judge people, they accept them where they91裸聊视频檙e at and help identify and build upon their strengths.91裸聊视频�
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 91裸聊视频� about the path that brought them to prison 91裸聊视频� and with that vulnerability and empathy the healing process begins.
91裸聊视频淲ith open communication and a community built on respect, look at the opportunities we have to help them,91裸聊视频� Macpherson says.
A trauma-informed approach, with greater awareness of mental health issues, helps Correctional Officers form relationships with vulnerable people who often haven91裸聊视频檛 had a role model before.
91裸聊视频淐oming to us from all walks of life and with many experiences, our Correctional Officers are leaders who work to make a difference,91裸聊视频� Macpherson says, highlighting the value of respect, communication and listening.
91裸聊视频淪ome of our most effective staff are women and we need more 91裸聊视频� their emotional intelligence and communications skills are often so strong.91裸聊视频� 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.
91裸聊视频淥ur staff can be involved and be leaders at all levels of the organization: they are in charge of their .91裸聊视频�