Creating Choices: The report of the Task Force on federally-sentenced women

Offer the support women need to gain insight into their situation and identify their strengths to help them make positive decisions and regain control of their lives.

Offering women offenders meaningful options and informing them of the resources available to enable them to make responsible choices. Giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions not only gives them a sense of empowerment and autonomy, but also helps build their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Mutual respect among offenders, and between offenders and staff, is crucial, as is the need to recognize the diversity of needs and cultural identities. By treating others with respect and dignity, we are more inclined to treat ourselves with respect and dignity.

A healthy, positive environment fosters personal growth, encourages the use of acquired skills, encourages offenders to recognize their strengths, and promotes physical and mental health. It is important for women offenders to be able to count on the community's support and assistance in accessing resources to feel more self-sufficient and autonomous.

All levels of government, corrections, volunteer organizations, businesses, private sector services, and the community have a role to play in developing support systems and ensuring continuity of services for women to help them successfully reintegrate our communities.