(file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Elizabeth Fry funding

Female inmate re-integration target of new funding to Elizabeth Fry Society

Jul 18, 2024 | 3:35 PM

Women in custody in places like Pine Grove Prison in Prince Albert and the women’s unit at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford will have extra help when leaving the prison system.

The province announced on Thursday that they would give the Eizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan $330,000 to help smooth the re-integration of female offenders back into society.

“Female offenders face additional challenges when securing housing and other supports necessary to reunite with their children and loved ones. This expanded service agreement will ensure more women in our facilities, including those on remand, can be supported by the Elizabeth Fry Society’s programming and services,” said Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Paul Merriman.

READ MORE: One former Pine Grove inmate spoke out about several deaths in the women’s prison.

Helping prisoners re-integrate reduces the likelihood they will end up back in custody.

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Elizabeth Fry will connect with women prior to their release and help them find housing, mental health and addictions supports, transportation, income assistance, and employment services.

“This funding will significantly bolster our efforts to provide tailored assistance, ensuring a seamless transition from custody to community and underscoring our commitment to reducing recidivism and fostering positive outcomes for those re-entering the community,” said Nicol Obrigavitch, director of the Elizabeth Fry Society.

The money will also go towards helping inmates from Saskatoon’s Women’s Reintegration Unit and as needed, the Whitebirch Remand Unit.

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com