CSC’s Institutional Mother-Child Program
The Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) Mother-Child Program aims at fostering positive relationships between mothers and their children, by keeping them together where appropriate, and providing a supportive environment that promotes stability and continuity to the mother-child relationship. This program also assists in the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of federally-sentenced women.
The Mother-Child Program was first introduced in 1996, and by 2001 it was available in all of CSC’s women’s institutions including the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge. While full-time participation is available for children under the age of 5, part-time visitation for children under the age of 7 takes place in the private family visiting unit or in the living unit.
Other bonding initiatives are available as part of this program, which may include:
- access or support visits
- escorted or unescorted temporary absences for family contact / parental responsibilities
- recording of story books
- pre- and post-natal services
- institutional Elder / Spiritual Advisors to provide spiritual support, guidance, and cultural awareness.
The best interests and safety of the child are paramount in all decisions related to participation in the Mother-Child Program.
Many considerations are reviewed when assessing a mother's eligibility for participation in the Mother-Child program including:
- nature of the offending;
- security classification;
- court orders;
- mental health;
- past history with child protection agencies.
All mothers must complete a parenting program and first aid course.
CSC is currently reviewing the program to improve access to supports, safely increase program participation, and to better support the needs of federally-sentenced women and their children.
For further information about the Mother-Child Program, you can consult Commissioner’s Directive 768 – Institutional Mother-Child Program.