BC Corrections behavioural programs

Last updated on July 24, 2026

BC Corrections offers programs to help people in custody and under community supervision reduce their risk of reoffending. These programs focus on substance use, violence, and relationships. They help people understand their thoughts and actions and build skills to make positive changes.

How behavioural programs help

Behavioural programs use structured, goal-oriented activities to help people:

Improve coping and problem-solving skills
Understand how thoughts and attitudes affect actions
Develop safer ways of responding to difficult situations
Build positive and supportive relationships
Make changes that can reduce the risk of reoffending

Many programs use a cognitive behavioural approach. This approach focuses on recognizing unhelpful patterns of thinking and developing practical skills to support positive change.

How programs are selected

Correctional and probation officers use each person’s risk and needs assessment to identify suitable programs. Core programs are generally intended for people assessed as having a medium or high risk of reoffending.

Available programs

Substance use management

Uses practical strategies to help reduce the harms of substance use. Approaches may include safer use, managed use or abstinence.

Personal Approach to Health

Provides group-based cognitive behavioural therapy tools to help people build skills and connect with community substance use services.

Thinking Leads 2 Change

Helps women assessed as having a medium or high risk of reoffending explore the thoughts, beliefs and emotions connected to antisocial or criminal behaviour.

Living Without Violence

Helps people understand the sources of their anger, improve their communication skills and develop respectful, non-violent ways to solve problems.

Respectful Relationships

Helps people identify abusive behaviour, understand its harmful effects and develop healthier relationship skills.

Treatment and maintenance programs for sexually motivated offences

The Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission delivers the initial treatment program. Trained probation officers deliver a follow-up maintenance program that helps people continue using the skills they learned.

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