NCJ Number
140301
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (Autumn 1992) Pages: 438-452
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In 1989, the Canadian government created a Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women to consider the correctional management of female offenders. In conjunction with the Task Force study, the Solicitor General authorized a review of the use of imprisonment for women in Canada and a survey of the entire female prison population regarding their prison experiences and perceptions of programs and facilities.
Abstract
The position of women in Canadian prisons has been unique because of the vast geographical distances, relatively wide- spread population, and existence of significant language and cultural differences particularly among aboriginal peoples. Of the total Federally sentenced population -- those sentenced to terms of 2 years or more -- only 2 percent are women. Unlike other countries, Canada does not provide open prisons, minimum-security prisons, or specific psychiatric institutions for female inmates or facilities for mothers with babies. The Task Force report recommended establishing four regional Federal detention centers for women as well as an Aboriginal Healing lodge, and developing a community release strategy for female offenders. The regional centers would aim to foster self-sufficiency, well-being, and privacy and would utilize community resources as much as possible. 21 notes and 34 references