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.

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