FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2012

NEWS RELEASE

Supported Housing for Former Prisoners with Mental Health Issues Benefits All Canadians

Criminal Justice and Mental Health Sector Representatives Explore Options

BRAMPTON, ON—More than 60 key government and social service representatives came together on February 24 to explore issues and solutions supporting former prisoners with mental health issues to reintegrate successfully into thecommunity. The day-long session was coordinated by the Canadian Association of Residential Options for Criminalized Women (CAROW) and the St. Leonard Society of Canada (SLSC) as part of their national partnership to advance the development of mental health services in community residences and hosted by St. Leonard’s Place Peel with catering by their social enterprise License to Cook.

“Research shows the two most important things in helping people, particularly women, avoid recidivism are housing and employment,” says Deb Riddle, vice president, CAROW . “With one-third of women in prison having diagnosed mental health issues, the need for a permanent home with ongoing mental health supports can’t be understated.”

The planning session stemmed from a desire to foster healthy communities for all by supporting those members who need transitional and permanent housing, along with mental health care.

“Today, men and women too often are released from prison with neither housing nor mental health support. Collectively, we can fix that,” explains Elizabeth White, SLSC executive director. “This is the first time representatives from all levels of government have come together with non-profits to explore how we can work better together to fill this void. It’s a great first step.”

The session featured presentations from the United Way Peel Region, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Office of the Correctional Investigator, and the Correctional Service of Canada. Over the coming months, CAROW and SLSC will host similar sessions in other parts of the country, beginning with British Columbia.

The Canadian Association of Residential Options for Criminalized Women (CAROW) is a not-for-profit society dedicated to the establishment of gender-specific transitional housing in communities across the country for women coming from prison transitioning to the community.

St. Leonard's Society of Canada(SLSC) is a membership based charitable organizations dedicated to community safety since 1967. Serving a network of direct service agencies, it promotes a humane and informed justice policy and responsible leadership to foster safe communities.

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For more information:

Deb RiddleElizabeth White

CAROWSt. Leonard Society of Canada

Tel: (647) 999-7814Tel: (416) 920-6116