Investing in the Successful Reintegration of Aboriginal People Returning from Incarceration in Federal, Provincial, and Youth Institutions

Last Updated on June 24th, 2010

Project Title: Investing in the Successful Reintegration of Aboriginal People Returning from Incarceration in Federal, Provincial, and Youth Institutions

Project Number: CL1-19-SK

Term of Project: May 2007 to April 2009

Status: In progress

Academic Researchers:

Isobel Findlay, University of Saskatchewan (principal investigator)
Darlene Lanceley, University of Saskatchewan

Student Researcher:

Gloria Lee, University of Saskatchewan (internship)
Nicola Chopin, University of Saskatchewan (internship)
Susan Verbeke, University of Saskatchewan (Undergraduate, Political Studies - internship)

Community Researcher:

Community Partner:

Saskatchewan Economic Development Association
Urban Aboriginal Strategy

Project Summary:

This report is an outcome of the networks and relationships among and between business/economic development organizations, community service organizations, various government agencies, and the communities that they serve. The idea of measuring the “softer” aspects of economic and community development within the network of organizations that serves Southwest Saskatchewan and the City of Swift Current came from key stakeholders within that network.

The objectives of this study were to provide a literature review and environmental scan of existing programs and support returning from incarceration in federal, provincial, and youth institutions. Phase I of the project was to identify programs to the target group. Phase II, to follow under a separate proposal, will include addressing program and service delivery existing initiatives and encouraging and developing new programs and services to fill the gaps found in Phase I.

Specific Project-Level Research Objectives:

To complete a literature review and environmental scan of existing programs and support services to returning Aboriginal community members from incarceration in federal, provincial, and youth institutions
To identify gaps in services and supports
To map existing skills training initiatives within the Saskatchewan corrections system
To map groups, existing programs, and potential initiatives that may dovetail into skills training provision inside correction institutions
To map transitional programming back into community
To identify potential industry groups and employers who have current and future labour needs, plus associate skill sets required
To identify economic groups and employers who may be open to partnering on skills training and work placements
To identify and record best practices on skills training within the corrections system and transitional community based programs in Canada and Internationally
To generate recommendations on feasible skills training opportunities along with potential partners, processes, etc.

Expected Deliverables:

Research report

Findings to Date:

While the focus of the research was on education, training, and employment opportunities, it became obvious that success depended largely on stable shelter and the safety of those returning from incarceration. The current policies and mandates of organizations, institutions, and programs limit the capacity to address effectively the multiple needs and barriers faced by these individuals. This status quo style of program delivery is no longer acceptable. Best practices that demonstrate success in supporting and working with the Aboriginal target group should include partnerships that are creative and prepared to stretch beyond the limitations of what have become standard responses, such as “our policy states” or “our mandate is,” to complex and multiple issues.

Project Poster: Poster (pdf)

Final Report:

Projected Expenditures: $6,000 (internship)

In-Kind Contributions:

Publicity:

Communities Newsletter (September 2009), Meghan Channell, Getting Tough on Policy: Investing in the Successful Reintegration of Aboriginal Peoples Returning from Incarceration. (link)

Dissemination Activities:

Poster Presentation: Aboriginal and Indigenous Graduate Studies and Research Event, October, 2007: Exploring the Social Economy in Saskatchewan
Presentation at the LLL Social Economy Regional Workshop, May 2008
Presentation at the CDS International Conference June 22-25 2008 (Isobel and Dwayne)
Poster Presentation: International CDS Conference, Saskatoon, June 2008
Poster Presentation: LLL Social Economy Provincial Workshop, Prince Albert, May 2009
Poster Presentation: Aboriginal Research Display, Aboriginal Achievement Wee, March 2010.

Additional Notes: Project previously titled: Getting Tough on Policy: Investing in the Successful Reintegration of Aboriginal People Returning from Incarceration in Federal, Provincial, and Youth Institutions

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Investing in the Successful Reintegration of Aboriginal People Returning from Incarceration in Federal, Provincial, and Youth Institutions