Are Core Correctional Practice Strategies Associated with Positive Change Among Clients on Probation Irrespective of Gender, Indigeneity, or Mental Health and Substance Misuse?

The intersection of mental health, substance use, and the criminal justice system presents significant challenges for probation and parole officers (PPOs), particularly when supervising justice-impacted persons (JIPs) with complex needs. Grounded in the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model (Andrews et al., 1990), this research explores the relationship between core correctional strategies (e.g., teaching clients to reframe thinking styles) and client outcomes while on probation (e.g., less substance use, employment stability) and whether gender and Indigeneity moderate these effects. The study also explores if the presence of acute mental health crises and substance misuse influences the relationship between probation and parole officers’ use of Core Correctional Practice (CCP) strategies and client outcomes. The study analyzes 193 probation case notes following the introduction of the Ontario Solicitor General’s Made-in-Ontario Core Correctional Practices (CCP) Model of Community Supervision. A subset of six items from the Client Change Scale (CCS, Serin & Lloyd, 2018) is used to assess behavioural change across key life domains (e.g., employment, substance use, program engagement). Findings will inform evidence-based training enhancements and policy reforms to improve probation outcomes for diverse populations. The opinions and views expressed in this report reflect those of the author and not the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General. This project was done with the support of the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General.