Aboriginal Initiatives

Working Together

CSC National Headquarters Working Group on
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/E)

Terms of Reference

Introduction

The Solicitor General expressed deep concern about FAS/E in the 2000 Report on Plans and Priorities, stating "…we must recognize the role that…fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects...play in the cycle of criminal behaviour and recidivism, and identify strategies to address these fundamental concerns."

The CSC National Headquarters FAS/E Working Group has been created to examine the sphere of issues relating to those affected by, and those working with, FAS/E federal offenders.

CSC recognizes that FAS/E is a significant issue in federal corrections and that it must commit to the development of a clear vision, effective strategies, action plans, and the required resources to address this issue.

Structure & Membership

The Co-Chair responsibilities shall be assumed by one member from Aboriginal Issues and one member from Health Services.

Ad hoc members of the Working Group may include representatives from the following branches and divisions within CSC National Headquarters: Chaplaincy, Reintegration, Correctional Programs, Learning & Development (Personnel), Women Offenders, Research, Community Corrections, Security, Policy, and Regional representatives.

The Working Group Co-Chairs will be responsible for reporting directly to the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations & Programs.

Roles

The Working Group will coordinate and facilitate issues regarding FAS/E as they relate to the management of incarcerated and conditionally released federal offenders. This includes communication and information sharing with CSC staff as well as outside agencies, organizations, and individuals. A secondary role fulfilled by the Working Group will be advisory in nature and will include (but is not limited to), policy development, staff training, research, programming, and health promotion.

Decision-making

Except under special circumstances, determined by the Working Group, all decisions shall be made by consensus. Consensus shall be defined as the collective wisdom and positions adopted by the Working Group - as a whole - and not a simple majority.

Major Goals

1. To promote the health and well-being of individuals in federal corrections who are affected by FAS/E;
2. To develop a process of exploring and addressing the continuum of FAS/E issues within federal corrections.

Tasks/Activities

1. To develop and recommend a clear vision, strategic directions, and a viable workplan/budget for implementation within CSC;
2. To develop effective communication strategies for CSC staff on FAS/E issues and heighten general awareness of the problem;
3. To conduct an environmental scan including a compendium of FAS/E initiatives, research activities, and key contacts;
4. To coordinate issues as well as identify solutions/approaches regarding FAS/E identification, intervention, management, and aftercare;
5. To devise a CSC Position Paper on the issue of FAS/E;
6. To review and assess proposals for pilot projects, contracts, and CSC action related to FAS/E.

Meetings

The Working Group meetings will occur on a bi-monthly basis or as required. The regular members (Core Group) will notify Ad Hoc members when their presence is necessary at these meetings.

Linkages

The Working Group will liaise and network with other government departments and jurisdictions, non-governmental agencies, and community organizations.

Duration

The Working Group shall continue to exist until appropriate measures to address FAS/E are adopted within CSC, however, internal evaluations of progress may be conducted whenever necessary or, at a minimum, for year-end reporting.

Resources

The required initial resources for the operation and activity of the Working Group will be described in an Action Plan and Budget (to be developed); long-term resource requirements will be identified over the duration of this initiative.