THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETIES

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

PREAMBLE

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) is an association of Elizabeth Fry Societies which have a long history of community-based involvement in assisting adult and young women who are, or have been, in conflict with the law.

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies was founded on certain fundamental beliefs and values which, through the knowledge and experience gained during our history have been reaffirmed, expanded and developed.

These fundamental values and beliefs are an integral part of CAEFS’ philosophy and are tenets on which the Society bases its activities and operations.

Belief: something one holds to be true
Value: something one holds to be important

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies believes:

• There are underlying systemic and individual issues faced by women in conflict with the law. In order for an individual woman’s needs to be met these issues need to be addressed by both society and the woman herself.

• That almost all women in conflict with the law have a need to be in the community and part of the community.

• That for women in conflict with the law to be equal members of the community, the equality of all women in society is critical.

• That to achieve equality for women, and therefore for women in conflict with the law, the provision of special programs, services and advocacy resources are required.

• That the community has a role in ensuring that the needs of women in conflict with the law are met and a responsibility to address the underlying issues.

• That the Criminal Justice System in it’s present form does not meet many of the underlying needs of women in the system.

• That the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and its member societies, have, by virtues of their historical experience and involvement, unique and special knowledge and skills to assist women in conflict with the law.