New discharge-planning process aims to improve public safety

Release

Department of Justice and Public Safety

January 14, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has introduced a new, standardized discharge-planning process in all provincial correctional centres to better support people as they transition back into the community and to improve public safety.

The updated process ensures individuals are assessed earlier and more consistently, and are better connected to housing, identification, health care and community supports before being released.

“The updated approach strengthens how staff assess needs, plan for release and connect clients with services,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. “This work is about improving outcomes for individuals leaving custody, reducing the risk of reoffending, and supporting safer and healthier communities. It also complements the broader work underway through the homelessness task force.”

Under the new approach, all individuals admitted to a provincial correctional centre will benefit from an improved assessment process upon admission and have the opportunity to participate in discharge planning. These early assessments help staff identify individual risks and needs, determine the appropriate level of support, and begin planning for release as soon as possible.

The framework applies to people being held on remand and those serving sentences. For individuals with shorter stays, discharge planning will focus on addressing immediate needs such as identification, housing and basic supports. For those in custody for longer periods, more comprehensive planning and case management will be provided. Previously, discharge planning largely focused on individuals serving sentences.

To support this work, the department has reassigned existing resources to create a provincial correctional discharge and reintegration co-ordinator position. The co-ordinator will help individuals secure identification, housing and community services prior to release, and will work closely with correctional staff, health-care providers, probation officers and community partners. The goal is to reduce the number of people leaving custody without stable housing or access to services.

This initiative supports the work of the ministerial task force on homelessness, which is co-ordinating efforts across government to strengthen the continuum of services and reduce homelessness across the province.

 

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