Exploring expectations and realities of rehabilitation in the Canadian context

Abstract

This Chapter provides an overview of rehabilitation in the Canadian context. We take as a starting point an understanding of rehabilitation as a complex concept and variegated experience that needs to be studied and unpacked through empirical investigation in different penal and socio-economic contexts. The goal for this chapter is to provide an overview of Canadian penality as a backdrop to understanding specific aspects of rehabilitation structures and supports. Specifically, in the current Chapter, we highlight two issues: the role of community-based support as a rehabilitative measure for former prisoners; and the role of gender in the context of rehabilitation. We propose avenues for further research in both areas as we note a general lack of empirical research on various aspects of rehabilitation in Canada.