Cambridge Now!

Waterloo Region – A one-day forum on “The Safe and Successful Reintegration of Federally Sentenced Women with Mental Health Issues” will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Waterloo. Approximately 100 participants are expected to attend the forum.

 

The purpose of this forum is to bring together relevant stakeholders to create a seamless and coordinated support system for women with mental health issues when they leave federal prison. The forum seeks to engage the local community in helping to meet the needs of women to ensure a safe and successful reintegration upon their release.

 

 9:00 a.m. – Presentations

 

Women’s Corrections and Correctional Service of Canada’s Transformation Agenda

       (Presenter: David Dick, Warden, GVI)

 

Overview of the Network for Addiction and Mental Health

      (Presenter: Arran Rowles, Regional Coordinator, Addiction and Mental Health Network Waterloo Wellington)

 

First Steps to Success 

       (Presenter: Dr. Janine Cutler, Chief of Psychology, GVI)

 

Barriers to Successful Reintegration

      (Presenter: Jessica Hutchison, Researcher, Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council)

 

11:00 a.m. – Panel Discussion

 

“Eliminating Transitional Realities” with panellists representing Correctional Service of Canada, Grand Valley Institution for Women, and a woman with lived experience. Moderated by Dr. Janine Cutler

 

The afternoon will feature small and large group discussions.

 

This forum is presented in partnership by Grand Valley Institution for Women, Canadian Mental Health Association (Grand River Branch), Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, Waterloo-Wellington Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee, and is sponsored by the Correctional Service of Canada and the Waterloo-Wellington Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee.