Recommendation 7:

That the feasibility of a pilot project be explored by at least one Elizabeth Fry Society, to provide literacy training based on the model of student-driven learning circles, to as many women as possible. This program would take place either within an institution or in a half-way house, based on the assessment of the local agency, and would be implemented on a trial basis. The program should emphasize work on improving self-image, an area in which most women in conflict with the law need a great deal of assistance.

Funding for this pilot project could be sought from a variety of private or corporate foundations, on the understanding that such programming fills an unmet need, and provides women in conflict with the law with an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, abuse, exploitation and crime.

It should be noted that the clients interviewed for this project were divided as to whether programs should take place within institutions, as well as whether classes should be run as small groups or on a one-to-one basis. With this in mind, it would be important to implement any programming on a trial basis, in order to determine its suitability as a model for future literacy training for women in conflict with the law. Funding for extended programs could be solicited from Secretary of State or the Department of the Solicitor General, as well as from provincial ministries of corrections.

Recommendation 8:

That a program of education be developed for use by the National Parole Board, with the objective of increasing Board members' awareness of the issue of illiteracy among women in conflict with the law. This program could be incorporated into the current "Women In Conflict with the Law" sessions which are conducted as part of Parole Board's standard orientation procedures.

Recommendation 9:

That the information contained in this report be made available to educational programs for front-line workers, including university and college-level social work programs, criminology programs, and women's studies programs. The objective of this initiative would be to raise the visibility of women in conflict with the law, specifically in regard to their literacy needs. Repeatedly during the course of this research, it became evident that one of the greatest obstacles facing women in conflict with the law is their invisibility.

The objective of such programs would be to increase awareness among front-line workers of the literacy needs of women in conflict with the law. Interventions, by front-line workers in the area of literacy may in some cases "turn off the tap", and allow women to avoid coming into conflict with the law.

Recommendation 10:

That each Elizabeth Fry Society, as well as C.A.E.F.S., include in their respective newsletters a section on "literacy information exchange". This section would provide a forum and an opportunity for information and resource exchange among the societies.