CSC's Joint Working Group on Families of Offenders

In June 2003 the Canadian Families and Corrections Network (CFCN) submitted A Strategic Approach and Policy Document to Address the Needs of Families of Offenders to CSC. As part of CSC's response the Commissioner of Corrections requested an evaluation of the recommendations contained in this report, including the expectation of voluntary sector involvement from the outset. To this end a multi-sectoral working group was established.

Its role is to:

1. lead the review and prioritizing of the recommendations contained in the Strategic Approach and Policy Document;
2. consult with the regions and sectors on the policy and implementation issues related to the recommendations;
3. involve the Voluntary Sector in policy development around families' issues by integrating community partners on the Working Group;
4. explore appropriate partnerships and avenues of funding required to implement the recommendations.

Actions of the Working Group to Date

• Evaluation and prioritization of the CFCN recommendations
• Draft funding submission to implement many of the recommendations
• Presentations to the National Associations Active in Criminal Justice (NAACJ) and the National Executive Committee of the Citizen's Advisory Committees (CAC)
• Involvement of nine Voluntary Sector agencies to assist in developing policy and practice recommendations
• Compilation of all legislation and policy related to CSC's obligations vis-à-vis families of offenders
• Approval in principle to develop a strategic response to families

Key Components of Work Plan (2005-2006)

• Launch the portal for families of offenders on CSC's internet site
• Develop Business Case for presentation to CSC's Executive Committee
• Develop strategy for inter-jurisdictional and interdepartmental dialogue on responding to the needs of families of offenders
• Explore funding partnerships
• Establish a communication plan aimed at highlighting the needs of families of offenders and encouraging the involvement of the Voluntary Sector and faith-based communities in responding to them.