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Vol. 34, No. 2

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Being able to address the needs of offenders of all cultural groups who often present many inter-related problems is something unique to correctional programs for women.

While getting involved in the management of correctional programs for women offenders, I quickly realized that male-adapted programs were not meeting the unique needs of women. Women offenders often exhibit different characteristics than males, such as being generally motivated to change and open to opportunities to participate in programs.

As a result, the menu of correctional programs for women has continued to expand over the past decade, beginning in 2000 when an expert panel recommended the development of a standardized women-centred substance abuse program.

While the main objective of the Women Offender Substance Abuse Program is to target substance abuse, it also consists of a multi-target treatment approach that is designed to offer a continuum of care from admission to warrant expiry. Recent evaluation results demonstrated that “institutional substance abuse treatment leads to reductions in readmissions among women offenders,” and that the combination of institutional treatment and community maintenance was particularly beneficial in lowering the likelihood of a return to custody.”1

In addition to substance abuse programming, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) also conducted an in-depth analysis of women offenders incarcerated for violent crimes, which resulted in a gender-specific violence prevention program for women. The program specifically targets thinking and behaviours directly linked to violence and decision-making that can lead to victimization. Initial results obtained through pre- and post-program testing are revealing significant improvements for participants.

Furthermore, a correctional program for women offenders who are assessed as high risk and housed in secure units is currently being piloted at three regional women offender institutions. The Women’s Modular Intervention, a unique program designed for individual delivery as required, allows for flexible delivery, includes newly conceptualized models, and offers an Aboriginal stream with Elder assistance.

Addressing the needs of Aboriginal women offenders using culturally appropriate interventions is a corporate priority for the Service. Networking with partners from other government and non-government agencies has allowed the organization to implement programs rooted in an Aboriginal worldview.

In 2001, CSC obtained permission from Manitoba2 Justice for the implementation of the Circles of Change Program, a multi-target program designed specifically for Aboriginal women offenders. At the same time, CSC worked with Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) for the implementation of a violence prevention program for Aboriginal women offenders entitled the Spirit of a Warrior Program. In 2006, NCSA, under contract with CSC, developed an Aboriginal Women’s MaintenanceProgram, which was implemented shortly thereafter in institutions and community sites.

Programs for women offenders require a flexible approach that responds to gender-specific needs and unique cultural differences. This approach must also acknowledge the diverse life experiences of women, and reflect a belief in their ability to change.

The Service receives many inquiries about its programs for women. In fact, a number of provincial jurisdictions3 have adopted CSC programs, and their staff have been trained by CSC trainers. Some international guests have also participated in training.

CSC is moving towards a fully integrated model of correctional programs for Aboriginal4 and non-Aboriginal women offenders. The Service has also made consistent efforts to dedicate qualified, trained facilitators to the delivery of correctional programs for women offenders in order to continue to reduce recidivism rates and increase public safety.

1 Matheson, F., Doherty, S, and Grant, B. A. (March 2008). Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming & Community Reintegration. Addictions Research Centre. Research Branch. Correctional Service Canada. Page 5.

2 The Circles of Change Program was adapted by Manitoba Justice from the Moving On Program developed by Dr. Marilyn Van Dieten. Dr. Van Dieten agreed to CSC’s use of the Program.

3 CSC currently has memorandums of understanding with British Columbia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

4 Aboriginal Correctional Programs for women offenders are Elder assisted.

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