ORIGINS

Elizabeth Fry (Gurney) was born into a family of Quakers in 1780 in England. Her mother's father, the Scottish theologian Robert Barclay, played an important role in defining early Quaker beliefs. It was fortunate for all concerned that Quakers believed in the equality of women (250 years before they won the vote), otherwise Elizabeth Fry's unusual talents in the area of prison reform might never have been realized.

Her insight, persistence, organizational ability and her willingness to see a "divine light" in every person resulted in striking reforms taking place in the manner in which women and children were treated in London's Newgate Prison. She was a strong proponent of humane treatment for prisoners and regarded by many as a leading expert in prison reform. Most of her life was spent in England, although she did visit Ireland and continental Europe. She also offered advice to the Americas, Russia and Australia. She died in 1845 at the age of 66 years.

The first Elizabeth Fry Society was established in Vancouver in 1939. The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) was originally conceived of in 1969 and was incorporated as a voluntary non-profit organization in 1978. Today there are 23 member societies across Canada.

MISSION STATEMENT

CAEFS is a federation of autonomous societies which works with, and on behalf of, women involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. Elizabeth Fry Societies are community based agencies dedicated to offering services and programs to marginalized women, advocating for legislative and administrative reform and offering fora within which the public may be informed about, and participate in, aspects of the justice system which affect women.

Voluntarism is an essential part of Elizabeth Fry work. Both volunteer and paid staff are involved in governance as well as program and service delivery throughout the association. The CAEFS Board of Directors is composed of one representative from each local society, as well as a President and a past President. The priority agenda, as well as policies and positions, are established by the Association's membership at each Annual General Meeting.

PRINCIPLES

The strength of our federation is the freedom to meet the needs of our communities in unique and effective ways. As an Association, CAEFS develops policies and positions and acts on common interests affecting women. Member societies support the following principles:

• Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal benefit of the law without discrimination.

• Every individual has a right to legal counsel, due process and natural justice protection. Women have the right of access to equal opportunities and programs in the justice system; women have the right to justice without fear of prejudice or gender discrimination.

• Commitment to equality rights does not preclude any practice, program or activity of our association that has as its object the amelioration of the conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups.

• Action is required in order to ensure quality programs, services and facilities for women in conflict with the law, based on individual needs.

• Responses of the justice system to individual behaviour should interfere with individual rights and freedoms only to the minimum extent necessary. The correction of the offender should take place in the community, unless there are compelling reasons to the contrary. Further, the offender should retain all the rights and privileges of an ordinary citizen, except those expressly removed by law.

• Because the community and all its members have the ultimate responsibility for the response of the system and the handling of offenders, it is essential that the community be involved in all aspects of the criminal justice system.

• The active participation of volunteers in all aspects of our organization is fundamental to attainment of the Association's goals.

• In pursuit of excellence and efficiency, CAEFS and its members shall always seek to improve their standards and programs, to identify and address the gaps and unmet needs and to seek changes through reforms of the law and penal and correctional regulations, practices and conditions.

GOALS

To provide an Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and to encourage suitable reform at all levels of the criminal justice system.

To assist member societies in developing and maintaining high standards of programs and services for the purposes of aiding adult and young women who have come into, or who are at risk of coming into conflict with the law, whether such programs be in courts, institutions, or in the community, and whether they be for the purpose of assistance, guidance, rehabilitation or prevention, and whether provided by paid or volunteer personnel.

To promote public awareness and understanding of the needs of women in conflict with the law and the need for change in the criminal justice system as it affects women. Promote awareness of the ways in which individuals and communities can address these needs.

To facilitate communication and cooperation among Elizabeth Fry Societies and similar societies.

To obtain funds for the financial support of the organization, and for such other purposes as may from time to time seem desirable for furthering the aims of the Association.

To communicate and cooperate with agencies and services in the correctional field and with governments in furthering the aims of the Association.

To encourage the formation of Elizabeth Fry Societies and societies with similar purposes.

CAEFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (1998/99)

Regional Representatives

Atlantic - Rhonda Crawford, Cathie Penny, Lois Weatherby
Quebec - Sylvie Bordelais, Nathalie Duhamel, Margaret Shaw
Ontario – Rana Haq, Connie Swinton, Bonnie Rush
Prairies – Sara McEwan, Dawn McBride, Charlene Gutscher
B.C. - Mollie Both, Bernice Blackburn, Marilyn Fleger

CAEFS STAFF (1998/99)