NCJ Number
208892
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 15-17
Editor(s)
Larry Motiuk
Date Published
June 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the successful Josee McCann Center in Canada and the resources offered through the Center to female offenders in Canada.
Abstract
In Canada, the 1990's were rich in developments in the field of corrections. Following the construction of new institutions for federally-sentenced women, there was a rethinking in the community strategy to ensure follow-up in the services provided to women offenders. In 1999, with the support of the Quebec provincial and the Federal correctional services, an initiative by the Elizabeth Fry Society (EFS) became a reality. The Josee McCann Center offers temporary accommodations, supervision for provincially sentenced women offenders and program and consultation services. The Center is a specialized type of resource similar to a group home, providing accommodations, basic meals and constant supervision while the women are in the house. The Center helps women offenders with special needs of isolation, spousal violence, addiction, suicidal tendencies, physical or mental health problems, parenting skills, poverty, life skills, or lack of information about their rights and the resources available to help them. Even though its structure is simple, within the Center there is a vision and a profound conviction that human beings are capable of change.