Over the next two years, Saskatchewan’s government will be investing $330,000 into the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan in efforts to “assist women as they navigate community services” and, in doing so, “reduce the likelihood” they will end up back in custody.
Details are laid out in a July 18 news release.
Elizabeth Fry Society staff will work with women held at Pine Grove Correctional Centre, the correctional units at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford, the Whitebirch Remand Unit and Saskatoon’s Women Reintegration Unit. A government spokesperson confirmed these institutions represent “all provincially administered adult female correctional facilities in the province.”
“The Elizabeth Fry Society will connect with women prior to their release and help them throughout their reintegration process by connecting them with housing, mental health and addictions supports, transportation, income assistance and employment services,” states the release.
Saskatchewan Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman spoke of challenges those leaving custody face in accessing resources useful in helping them reintegrate back into society.
“Female offenders face additional challenges when securing housing and other supports necessary to reunite with their children and loved ones,” Merriman said in a statement. “This expanded service agreement will ensure more women in our facilities, including those on remand, can be supported by the Elizabeth Fry Society’s programming and services.”
The spokesperson elaborated on this, saying imprisonment “can be disruptive to the living and family arrangements of offenders” and that they “often must re-establish those connections while also trying to find a safe and affordable place to live.”
Elizabeth Fry executive director Nicole Obrigavitch said her organization is grateful for the cash.
“This funding will significantly bolster our efforts to provide tailored assistance, ensuring a seamless transition from custody to community and underscoring our commitment to reducing recidivism and fostering positive outcomes for those re-entering the community,” she said.
The release goes on to state that the “programs and services will help clients succeed in their communities and ensure better outcomes” for both them and their families.
This is not the first time Saskatchewan’s government has done this.
In late 2022, the government partnered with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) to “design and deliver” a transition program for Indigenous women exiting custody.
As part of this initiative, the government gave the STC $1.2 million toward the development of the program, which would provide up to 18 months of “intensive support to female offenders who are reincarcerated on minor offences.”
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