Background Content

Call to Action # 37: Justice (25-42)

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer


Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer:
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers are based in the community (parole offices), not in CSC institutions. They monitor, support and motivate Aboriginal offenders. They work both with individual offenders and with groups. ACLOs provide support and guidance to Aboriginal offenders upon release and support their transition to the community. ACLOs work with and support Aboriginal parolees in their efforts to follow their community correctional plan. This includes referrals to Aboriginal specific community resources, hands-on support with accessing such services, and one-on-one counselling.

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers work with Elders to facilitate, organize and coordinate traditional and spiritual ceremonies, social activities, as well as Aboriginal cultural programs. ACLO’s work to improve reintegration opportunities for Aboriginal offenders in the community. They are responsible for identifying needs and resources available to offenders on release. 

Aboriginal Liaison Officer:
ALOs work with and support Aboriginal offenders in their efforts to follow a traditional healing path. This includes taking a supportive role with respect to cultural awareness and a liaison role with respect to general services to Aboriginal offenders and staff. They work as a member of the Case Management Team to provide information regarding the offender’s participation in a traditional healing path. They work with the Elders, and document Elder Reviews and assist for in the maintenance of supplies of traditional medicines required by the Elder/Spiritual Advisor. They are also a link between the offender and the Aboriginal community. They also help Aboriginal offenders understand the rules for corrections and conditional release. Aboriginal Liaison Officers often work with Aboriginal agencies and communities to help offenders heal and eventually reintegrate into their home communities.