Yes, and I think what we're talking about here is to set up at all stages along the continuum, if you will, that they have opportunities to be informed, to be considered, and to ensure...I use the word “protected”. In many cases, victims want to know that the governing authorities are considering their safety issues, particularly when it comes to different types of conditional release. So they need to understand that the people who have these authorities to make that are...and one way is through the victim's statement.
I also think that when you look at the role of victims in the criminal justice system—you touched on legislation—well, an agency can only give information that the legislation says it can to a victim. That's why it's so important that we allow them to have a transparent process so they can give input. In my comments when I talk about a decision made by the warden's board, there's no written documentation. At the very least, although you've heard me also say we'd like more, a decision registry allows them at least to have some information around that. It's a closed process if they don't.
If you were to ask me, in terms of recommendations, they need to be informed in advance of a hearing process that allows for their participation, they need to be able to present statements, they need to be able to be informed of their offender's progress, because when you're making these decisions on release, that's what they want to know—that you're considering their safety. They want to ensure that they're allowed to update their impact statement. As we talked about, through the process, they're allowed to do that. Also, as I said, they want access to information as to why these decisions are made.
I will also say that whatever the decision is on the process in terms of this legislation, they should also be financially supported in being able to participate in that.