Re: Funding Cuts - Post 5
Even amidst this global pandemic, our court team has been a consistent source of support for Albertans who are still navigating their court matters in spite of COVID19 risks. While we know it will take some time, the courts will eventually resume regular schedules and operations. What will those look like without us, though? As always, if you’re as concerned as we are, please reach out. director@efrynorthernalberta.com
For the past 42 years, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton has been instrumental in assisting tens of thousands of individuals who have been, or are at risk of being in conflict with the law.
The Elizabeth Fry Court programs have facilitated assistance in providing bail, release planning, mentoring, support, practical information and resources, advocacy, navigating, and liaising with other court personnel. The relationships with the courts have developed through the years, and have resulted in mutual trust and respect. We are typically the first ones that people see as they arrive for court. We have had countless individuals who have credited the Agency with their success in understanding and maneuvering through the court process. Through our evaluations we are able to see the significance of what we do. We have provided one on one support, and orientation to many who have hearings. Numerous drop in’s through the years have expressed feeling validated and heard. Our court offices have been a mainstay over the past several decades, and people know they can come to us for additional emotional support that the lawyers may not have the time to provide. And as such, lawyers often are the ones to refer their clients to our offices for these additional supports, and resources. The Duty Counsel lawyers work collaboratively with our staff and volunteers, and rely on the assistance provided. As changes to the courts have occurred through the years, court management has always included E.Fry as a major stakeholder, and incorporated areas within the building reserved for our use.
The Elizabeth Fry also has been paramount in assisting women and girls in a variety of community based programs offering Indigenous focused activities including smudging, sweats, camping, beading and other crafts. Additionally, services include one on one support, clothing room, bus tickets, hygiene kits, resume building, job searching, budgeting, record suspension, life skillls, stoplifting, and numerous other groups and workshops. Many times, the workshops, and groups are used in conjunction to the court sanctions, with the outcome being a more positive one.
The Elizabeth Fry Society also has a well established Prison Liaison Program that assists federally and provincially incarcerated women with release planning, and address the many issues, concerns, and grievances that arise. There is also a Legal Clinic Program that facilitates lawyers who volunteer their time to assist women requiring legal advice on a variety of matters including family, criminal, civil, and institutional. Again, these programs have been implemented decades ago, and have provided much needed services through the year. There have been innumerous instances where inmates have no other recourse, feel immensely discouraged, and reach out to our resources and staff, knowing they will be available for them.
The Court Assistants for Female Youth Program (CAFFY) has been operational since 2001, and has provided mentorship, advocacy, resources, and supports by matching a mentor to a female youth. At the time of the program being implemented, a group of Russian Judges had come to Edmonton to participate with a judicial conference. They were so impressed with the Program, that they were intent on starting something similar upon return to their country. This Program primarily receives referrals from The Edmonton Young Offender Center, and ExtraJudicial Sanctions through youth justice. This Program has provided mentors to act as a positive role model and build healthy relationships with the mentees, resulting in excellent outcomes. The mentors work effectively, whether it is a regular visit to see someone who was incarcerated, or working on community hours and other tasks in order to have charges withdrawn.
Due to COVID over the past several months, The Elizabeth Fry Society Court Program has continued to provide services and support to individuals. At a point that we were working exclusively from home, the Family & Youth Court Clerks and Management reached out to me to implore us to return sooner rather than later. The absence of our services was truly felt, and they asked that we go in and meet with them to discuss how they might accommodate our return. Tables, E Fry signs, and plexiglass were set up at the CMO counter, and in front of the Youth and Family courtrooms. They send the us dockets, and the lawyers lists prior to court sittings, which is highly appreciated. We have also been provided with WebEx access, allowing us to remotely view the courtrooms we generally work from - on the days where we are not physically in attendance. This allows for us to obtain information, and help us to determine who might benefit with bail assistance.
In summary, The Elizabeth Fry Society Court Program has been firmly established since 1978, and assist the many individuals who appear before the Courts in countless ways each day.
Christine (staff)
December 7, 2020
To Whom It May Concern:
I was concerned to hear of the recent funding cuts by the ALF that will affect Elizabeth Fry Society’s court volunteer program. As a master’s student in counselling psychology, I have seen first-hand the impact of empathy for those who are marginalized and discriminated against in our community. Court volunteers operate to offer support and guidance, without judgment, for those navigating their day in court. There is no question that it takes a tremendous amount of support to help an individual navigate away from the generations of abuse, poverty, violence, chronic addiction and crime that has landed them in trouble with the law. If the end goal is to see fewer people in our prisons and homeless shelters, then the solution begins with the empathy and unconditional positive support from those of us who seek to make a difference for people working toward a better life. With funding so limited for those in greatest need, the most effective means of bridging this gap is through the power of volunteers, and the institutions who support them. I am disheartened to hear that, yet again, our community is taking away yet another support for those who already have so little. In the balance between keeping our community safe and giving someone a chance to change their life, what is needed most is compassion, knowledge and above all, hope. I ask you to re-evaluate the implications this funding cut will have on those who need our support more than ever before.
Carolyn (Volunteer)