Ikweskicik iskwewak

Brief Description

Ikweskicik iskwewak (ah-gwee-ski-chick isk-way-wuk), Cree for “Women Turning Their Lives Around,” is a pilot program designed by Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) to provide up to 18 months of intensive supports for female offenders who frequently return to custody for minor offences. The program provides holistic, wraparound case management services to break the cycle of reincarceration by addressing their risk factors (i.e. employment and education needs, mental health and addictions, transitional housing needs, development of prosocial supports and connection to culture), providing them with greater opportunities to successfully rejoin their communities.

Goals

The main goals of the Ikweskicik iskwewak program are to:

•Prepare the client for reconnection with the community;

•Increase access to supports for clients (i.e. Elder supports and culture, mental health and addictions supports, transitional housing supports) and establish the necessary linkages with organizations and individuals to address their known risk areas and create stabilization; and

•Reduce the number and frequency of returns to custody.

Clientele

Clients are adult, female offenders who frequently return to custody for minor, non-violent crimes. They are referred to the program through staff at Pine Grove Correctional Centre and Community Corrections offices. Clients referred to this program experience multiple criminogenic risk factors that include anything from family circumstances and pro-criminal attitudes to anti-social behavioral patterns. Depending on the level of services needed, the program has capacity for 30-60 women at any given time.

Core Components

Ikweskicik iskwewak program staff collaborate with the client and their facility or community corrections worker if applicable, to develop individualized reintegration goals and identify supports to address the criminogenic risk areas for each client. Supports may involve Case Planning, Mental Health and Addictions, Cultural supports including:

•Short term housing supports

•Long term housing supports

•Assistance with IDs

•Support securing Income Assistance

•Advocacy at Court and support abiding by conditions

•Support in family reunification

•Access to adult education

•Wellness programming & education (e.g., Parenting)

•Access to workplace training

•Mental Health counselling

•Addictions counselling

•Access, knowledge, and referrals for pharmacological treatment and opioid antagonist therapy

•Access to Elders, ceremonies, and cultural activities.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Program offers clients intensive, meaningful interaction over a period of up to 18 months. Program activities are provided during non-traditional work hours as well.
• Partnerships: STC continuously works with various Ministries (Health; Social Services; and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety) as well as other community-based organizations.
• Training and technical assistance: The Community Safety and Well-Being Branch offers ongoing support in the areas of contract obligations, program development and support or guidance, if requested.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

Ikweskicik iskwewak was first implemented in January 2023. The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and the Ministry of Health partner with STC to deliver the program. Currently, Ikweskicik iskwewak operates a housing unit within the city of Saskatoon and provides supports to individuals across Saskatchewan.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

From 2023 to 2026, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and the Ministry of Health are providing $1,230,000 in annual funding for this program.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Community Safety & Well-Being

Community Innovation and Restorative Pathways

600 - 1874 Scarth Street

Regina, SK S4P 4B3

Telephone: 306-361-6911

Email: Jessica.Stanley@gov.sk.ca

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Ikweskicik iskwewak Program Coordinator

Saskatoon Tribal Council Justice

2211-11th Street West

Saskatoon SK, S7M 1J4

Telephone: 306-956-1790