Peerlife: A Collaborative Network

Who We Are The PLC comprises of representatives from four St. Leonards community-based agencies in Hamilton, Peterborough, Ottawa and Windsor. We are also supported in a research and advisory capacity by St. Leonards Society of Canada (SLSC) and Maison Cross Roads (Montreal). Community-based agencies know from experience that preparation for the release of people with long term sentences is critical for safe and successful reintegration. The PLC Approach Persons with life sentences have unique characteristics by virtue of their sentence which call for a specialized approach in sentence management, productive use of time and release planning. The PLC and its partners support a national strategy for life sentenced persons in Canada by: Providing support to all lifers through employment of In-Reach Workers, i.e. successful paroled lifers who return to prison to guide incarcerated lifers throughout their sentences; Advocating and collaborating with government and other community partners to develop evidence-informed services to both incarcerated and paroled lifers in the community; Encouraging community residential services to assist lifers in their transition to the community; and, Marshaling resources to achieve a national model of success for lifers in Canadian prisons. What We Do The PLC was developed in response to the cancellation of the LifeLine service in 2012. LifeLine operated for 20 years serving lifers across Canada. This internationally recognized program was developed and guided by a partnership of Correctional Service Canada (CSC), Parole Board Canada (PBC) and community-based sponsoring agencies. Since 2012, the PLC has self-funded two In-Reach Workers to support and assist lifers in minimum security prisons. CSC maintained the security clearances of the workers, and the PBC continues to value their contribution as Assistants at parole hearings. In 2016-17, with funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation, the PLC delivered a program to assist lifers to break away from the gang culture while in prison. Additionally, we also delivered orientation workshops for newly admitted lifers. In 2017, the PLC and its partners produced the Life(r)s Work Report: An Historical Analysis and Evaluation of a Program for Life Sentenced People in Canada. This report demonstrated the need for an evidence-informed approach modeled on the LifeLine concept.

Call (519) 256-1878, or use the website.

Phone

(519) 256-1878

Website

https://stleonards.ca/peerlife-home/