Author Description

The Gabriel Dumont Community Training Residence (CTR) in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada) seeks to facilitate the transition of female offenders back into society. The residence will be the first of its type in Saskatchewan. The majority of women eligible for the program are Native Americans; thus the program will address the specific needs of this population. Applicants who are chosen to participate will transfer from two regular correctional institutions, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Kingston, Ontario, respectively, and will serve the last portion of their sentences (up to 6 months) at the CTR. An open-ended questionnaire was completed by 31 potential applicants with an average age of 28.8 years. More than 80 percent were of Aboriginal ancestry. Over 77 percent were mothers, with an average of 2.4 children. Current substance abuse was a concern to 81 percent of the women, and 65 percent were limited by a chronic physical problem. Only 7 of the women were married or in a common law relationship. Respondents reported a variety of religious affiliations, with native spirituality the most frequently cited. The women reported low levels of education and limited or no employment experience, but most expressed a desire for upgrading of skills and education. Most desired to return to their home communities upon release. Each section of findings discusses implications for programming. The document contains 51 references and numerous data tables. (KS)