Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: September 18, 2023

September is here and I will be resuming my visits at different institutions.  Last week, I had an opportunity to tour Grande Cache Institution.

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and the theme for this year is Uniting our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together. FASD is a condition that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Let us raise awareness of the disorder to improve prevention, diagnosis, and support for individuals with FASD. I encourage you to try to understand the challenges people may face and to show them compassion.

I was happy to hear that ceremonies were held at Atlantic Institution, Dorchester Penitentiary, and Springhill Institution on August 21 and 22 to celebrate the accomplishments of participants in An Ounce of Prevention program.

The Atlantic Region invited Urban Rez Solutions, a social change agency, to lead a virtual 8-week program this past spring. Considered highly successful by the ethnocultural participants, this program focused on:

• financial literacy
• skills
• conflict management
• critical thinking skills

Programs like this one are a great way to give you the necessary tools for a successful reintegration in the community.