THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETIES

STATEMENT OF MISSION, PRINCIPLES AND GOALS

MISSION STATEMENT

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies is a federation of autonomous Societies which work with, and on behalf of women involved with the justice system, in particular 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 a forum within which the public may be informed about and participate in, aspects of the justice system which affect women.

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, takes action directed at reform of the criminal justice system and acts on common interests affecting women.

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

• Every individual has the right to legal counsel, due process and natural justice. Women have the right of access to equal opportunities and programs in the justice system; women have the right to just and fair treatment without fear, prejudice or discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, health, disability, ethnicity or colour.

• Commitment to equality rights does not prevent the development of affirmative action, practices or policies aimed at eliminating the conditions of disadvantaged persons.

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

• Dispositions and sentences imposed on women should be community based, without reliance on incarceration unless there are compelling reasons to the contrary. Further, sentenced women should retain all the rights and privileges of an ordinary citizen, except those expressly removed by law.

• The community and all its members have the ultimate responsibility for responding to, and providing for, women in conflict with the law. 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 the attainment of the Associations goals.

• In the pursuit of excellence and efficiency, CAEFS and its members shall always seek to improve their standard and programs and to identify and address unmet need of women in conflict with the law. Elizabeth Fry Societies will work for changes through reforms of the law and penal and correctional regulations, practices and conditions.