NCJ Number
177714
Journal
Let's Talk Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: February 1998 Pages: 6-8
Date Published
February 1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes the programs and services of Canada's Nova Institution for Women.
Abstract
Nova is a new women's correctional facility located in Truro, Nova Scotia, close to many of the community services used by the women. The facility, which consists of four houses, has a capacity for 28 women. The houses are equipped with the conveniences of a typical home. In most houses, the women prepare their own breakfasts and lunches, and the main meal is eaten in a common dining hall. House meetings are held weekly to discuss chores, menus, and concerns of the residents. If needed, the women or the Primary Worker, who participates in these sessions, can call a house meeting at any time to help resolve issues that could cause tension among the residents. Food is purchased weekly by the women from a store located inside the compound. The administration, programs, health care, admission and discharge, segregation, enhanced unit, stores, and canteen are in a separate building. A private family visiting house is adjacent to one of the regular housing units. The Inmate Committee is composed of representatives from the houses. The Committee provides the women a forum for sharing information, consulting, reviewing new ideas, and making suggestions for change. The programs offered vary to meet individual and group needs. The core programs are cognitive skills training, parenting skills program, anger and emotions management, community integration, substance abuse, education, and survivors of abuse and trauma. One of the more popular programs is the Canine Program, in which women are trained to assume total responsibility for a dog who has either been abandoned or whose family can no longer care for it.