Whitehorse Correctional Centre - JusticeMessage from Tricia Râtel, Director, Corrections When offenders are sentenced or remanded into custody at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre

Whitehorse Correctional CentrePROGRAMS

TheHealing Room

at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.

Table of Contents4 Introductory Messages

From Deputy Minister Tom Ullyett and Director Corrections Tricia Râtel.

6 Core ProgramsCore programming is programming that has been proven to reduce criminal behaviour through rigorous evaluation. WCC offers a number of core programs that target the underlying factors associated with offending behaviour such as substance abuse and violence.

8 Yukon College, WCC CampusYukon College has a campus at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre for basic upgrading courses, industrial training certificates, and culture based courses.

10 Work Programs Work programs provide inmates with opportunities to engage in positive and constructive activities, while gaining practical job skills.

12 First Nations ProgramsA variety of programs and services are offered by contractors and Elders including ceremonies, Elder counselling, smudging, spiritual guidance, traditional language classes and Solstice celebrations. The Elders Advisory Board works closely with WCC staff to achieve its goals of rehabilitation and safe re-integration.

16 Community ServiceCorrections believes in the restorative benefits of community service. Both staff and inmates participate in activities that “give back” to the community.

18 WellnessHealth Services at WCC includes nursing staff, a contracted physician, psychologist and psychiatrist. Dental and optometry services are also available. Wellness is also encouraged with physical activities, a balanced diet, information workshops and life skills programming.

Elder Quotes

Elder Pearl Keenan

“I am a Teslin Tlingit Elder and have been working with the staff at WCC since 2007. I like the brightness and openness of the jail. I feel very welcome and a part of the group at WCC. I enjoy attending the Elders monthly meeting where I can share my knowledge with the staff so we can work together as a group to help the inmates.”

Elder Bill Webber

“Being a member of the Elder’s Advisory Committee gives me the opportunity tohelp and contribute to the staff and inmates at WCC.”

If you want to learn more, are interested in offering your services, or take a virtual tour go to the public website:

www.justice.gov.yk.ca/prog/cor/

Message from Deputy Minister Tom UllyettWith public safety as our guiding principal, Corrections management and employees strive to address the root causes of offending behaviour with interventions targeted at the needs of individual corrections clients. This is accomplished through updated case management practices and quality assurance measures.

We continue to look at ways to expand our program and services offerings to better meet the needs of the offender population and in building partnerships with service providers and nongovernmental organizations in order to meet departmental goals and objectives.

Providing inmates with educational, work, recreational and rehabilitation programs designed to develop and maintain family and community relationships is an endeavour that requires the hard work of Corrections staff, volunteers, case managers and First Nations elders to truly make a difference.

This publication gives us a glimpse into the provision of programming at WCC and the positive results that come from engaging offenders in detail-oriented skill building, programming and training.

I would like to thank the Corrections staff, inmates, First Nations Elders and service providers who contributed testimonials to this publication for their honesty and constructive feedback. The evidence-based programming and services provided at WCC are the right direction towards reducing criminal behaviour by motivating individuals to be accountable for their actions and reconnecting them with their culture and communities.

The Department of Justice looks forward to expanding program and service areas with a view to enhancing community safety and improving relationships with First Nation communities.

Sincerely,

Tom UllyettDeputy Minister of Justice

This publication gives us a glimpse into the provision

of programming at WCC and the

positive results that come from engaging

offenders in detail-oriented skill building,

programming and training.

4 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Introductory Messages

Message from Tricia Râtel, Director, CorrectionsWhen offenders are sentenced or remanded into custody at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC), it is fair to say that no two cases are alike. Each client of the Corrections branch comes with their own unique history and set of circumstances that led them down a path of offending behaviour and subsequently, to the WCC.

Once there, sentenced corrections clients are subject to a variety of risk and need assessments, health and mental health among them, to inform case management on how best to provide programming and skill development training that is targeted to meet the needs of the individual. The overarching goal is to provide core programs that rehabilitate by addressing the root cause of offending behaviour and that prepares offenders for reintegration into the community.

Our dedicated team of professionals is comprised of case managers, counsellors, correctional officers and probation officers who contribute to the development of detailed case management plans for offenders. The case plans identify and target the programming needs of the offender.

Corrections provide the majority of rehabilitation programs internally with staff trained facilitators. However, we also work closely with other service providers from Health and Social Services, Yukon College, First Nations, the Elders, volunteers, and Non-governmental organizations. All of these caring people play an important part in providing assistance and services to address criminal behaviour.

The testimonials found on the coming pages speak to the approach we take as a team to engage and support offenders in making behavioural changes that contribute to their wellbeing, as well as the safety of our communities.

Sincerely,

Tricia RâtelDirector, Corrections

The testimonials found on the coming pages speak to the approach we take as a team to engage and support offenders in making behavioural changes that contribute to their wellbeing, as well as the safety of our communities.

Introductory Messages | Whitehorse Correctional Centre 5

CorePrograms

The program has given me tools to use in everyday life that helps me stay in control of myself. It has helped me see things through the victim’s perspective. – HJ, inmate

Core ProgrammingCore programming is normally facilitated in a group setting, but can be delivered on a one-to-one basis when an individual cannot attend a group setting. Programming is specifically identified for individual inmates through the case management process.

The Courage to Change Program addresses peer relationships, self-control, responsible thinking, substance abuse, social values, family ties skills and successful living. The Substance Abuse Management Program examines the multiple pathways to addiction and recognizes the importance of treating the whole person, not just the addiction. The Relapse Prevention Program is a six-session program for inmates who have completed Substance Abuse Management. The Substance Abuse Management for Women provides practical strategies to reduce the negative consequences of substance abuse. The Violence Prevention Program addresses anger management and general violence issues. It presents information and tools to facilitate a change in beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, skills and habits that lead to violent or criminal behaviour. The Spousal Assault Programs are designed to provide men with a deeper understanding of their abusive behaviours and to provide them with tools and strategies to end the relationship violence in their lives. The program Respectful Relationships for Women provides women with an opportunity to address risk factors such as criminal attitudes, impulsivity and self-injuring behaviours. Sexual Assault Programming teaches clients the skills required to reduce their risk of re-offending. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a new program at WCC and is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviours, not external things, like people, situations and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel/act better even if the situation does not change.

Enrollment Numbers (April 2014 to March 2015):

Total Programs Offered 83Total Clients Participated 305Total Clients Completed 270

Overall Program Completion Rate 88.5%

Detailed breakdowns of program activity can be found on the Justice website:www.justice.gov.yk.ca/prog/cor/

The Whitehorse Correctional Centre

provides culturally neutral evidence-based,

cognitive skills based programming to address

the criminogenic needs of the inmates.

88.5% Program Completion

6 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Core Programming

InmateExperiences

“Helped me stop abusing substances and inspired me to seek a better life.”

– AVB, inmate

“It helped me realize that I had boundary issues and how to establish better boundaries with people and substances.”

– TH, inmate

“It has really helped me with my self-control.”

– BW, inmate

“It opened my eyes to my problems I didn’t realize I had and provided me with the tools to help deal with these issues.”

– CD, inmate

“Helped me realize the implicationsof drugs on my life and health.”

– MC, inmate

Elder Quotes Elder Agnes Mills“I am very honoured to be a Vuntut Gwitchin Elder of Old Crow and a member of the WCC Elder’s Advisory Committee for the past 7 years. I offer respect, caring, and teachings to the inmates at WCC and others. I enjoy utilizing the Healing Room and the Elders’ lounge for visits, smudging ceremonies, talking circles and grief counselling for our people. I am an advocate of Aboriginal traditions including healing and wellness and have the opportunity to share this with the inmates and staff.”

Core Programming 7

YukonCollege

Seeing people with poor self-esteem grow and develop pride and self-confidence is great. When they are on the right track, their enthusiasm is contagious. – KK, Correctional Officer

WCC CampusThe Yukon College Whitehorse Correctional Centre Campus provides educational upgrading to inmates. It includes the general high school equivalency diploma (GED) as well as a number of work related certificates such as First Aid, transportation of dangerous goods, fall protection, industry safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and food safety. Programs also teach inmates financial planning, basic literacy,resume writing and employment skills.

From the Coordinator“At Yukon College – WCC Campus –, we feel that people, regardless of their past history, can be rehabilitated by providing program opportunities that focus on future possibilities rather than dwelling on past indiscretions.” – Dean McKay, Yukon College

Yukon College has a campus at the Whitehorse

Correctional Centre for basic upgrading courses,

industrial training certificates, and culture

based courses.

Sample CoursesGED

First AidTransp. Dangerous Goods

Fall ProtectionIndustry Safety

WHMISFood Safety

Financial PlanningLiteracy

Resume WritingEmployment Skills

8 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Yukon College WCC Campus

InmateExperiences

“The option of being able to academically upgrade at WCC is very important and the teachers do a good job in assisting and supporting inmates in achieving their goals.”

– JS, inmate

“The program helped me reflect on my life choices and understand how I can change to live a better life in the future.”

– HJ, inmate

“I enjoyed the First Aid program. Helps me with looking for a job. Always good to learn new things. Keeps me busy while I am in jail.”

– RB, inmate

WorkPrograms I loved being outside, and being part of a team. I like that we

were giving back to the community. – CC, inmate

Work ProgramsWork programs allow inmates the opportunity to build skills and knowledge and to gain experience that may increase the prospect of future employment. They also promote a positive work ethic and build self-esteem. The Corrections Act requires sentenced inmates to work. Ongoing work programs for sentenced and remand inmates include Food Services, laundry, work shop and secure janitorial programs.

Inmates with a minimum security level are eligible to work on the outside work crew in the community. Inmate work projects include the construction of winter outhouses for Parks Canada, park kiosks for the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, pre-fabrication building on-site with Habitat for Humanity, snow removal, refuse management and recycling. These work programs provide inmates with basic skills in carpentry, welding and the operation of light machinery.

Work programs provide inmates with

opportunities to engage in positive and constructive

activities, while gaining practical job skills.

Past Work ProgramsWinter Outhouses

Park KiosksPre-fabrication Building

Snow RemovalRefuse Management

Recycling

10 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Work Programs

Inmate Experiences

“I enjoyed working with tools. Being outside and working with the instructors. Love learning a new trade.”

– MJA, inmate

“Working in the kitchen helps me to focus on something beside the jail and I am developing a new skill.”

– BC, inmate

“The job in the jail gets me out of the units. I get to use a modern cleaning machine and it helps me with my time in jail.”

– BW, inmate

From the Instructors

“The women involved were welcoming, motivated and enthusiastic, in spite of working outside in below zero temperatures. It was a pleasure working with them. The staff at WCC was very helpful getting the course organized and providing tools and gear.”

– Megan Christie & Tanja McPherson

Instructors, Yukon Womenin Trades & Technology

“It is especially rewarding to see how much the inmates take pride in their work and how much they benefit from the programs that happen throughout the facility.”

– MD, Correctional Officer

First Nations

ProgramsI enjoy coming up to WCC and teaching inmates Southern Tutchone Language. The inmates are well-behaved, respectful and eager to learn. – V. Brown, Teacher

First Nations ProgramsCorrections has established an Elders Advisory Committee that works closely with staff. WCC has entered into a contract with the Council of Yukon First Nations to provide a re-integration worker to assist with research and coordination of First Nation programming.

There are spiritual services and celebrations, such as solstice gatherings, talking circles and ceremonial smudges. Inmates have the opportunity to study Yukon First Nation language classes (Southern Tutchone and Tlingit).

WCC is offering several arts and crafts programs including the making of spirit rattles, pine needle baskets, traditional cooking, dream catchers and drums, painting, beading, carving, working with hides and traditional medicines.

Programs are offered as instructors become available.

Corrections has established an Elders

Advisory Committee which works closely with

WCC staff to achieve its goals of rehabilitation

and safe re-integration. Corrections encourages

positive and creative use of inmate time

and reconnection with culture.

12 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | First Nations Programs

Agnes Mills, Ida Calmagne Vera Brown

InmateExperiences

“Helped me think about the consequences of my actions.”

– RL, inmate

“It is a great pleasure to have Ida Calmagne come into WCC because she provides guidance, support, wisdom and cultural knowledge to us all.”

– RR, inmate

Elder QuotesElder Ida Calmagne “I am grateful to be a member of the WCC Elder’s Advisory Committee. Talking, and sharing my experiences helps them and I see the difference from when they come in and how angry and troubled they are. I have great satisfaction when the men and women learn from my teachings. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of our traditional ways with the staff, medical, educational instructors and contractors. I am very proud of the dedication of the staff at WCC.”

Kathrine (Kitty) Grant, Winnie Atlin, Pearl Keenan

Ida Calmagne

First Nations Programs 13

...continued from pg 13

Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts programs include the making

of spirit rattles, pine needle baskets,

traditional cooking, dream catchers and

drums, painting, beading, carving,

working with hides and traditional

medicines.

First Nations

Programs

14 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | First Nations Programs

InmateExperiences

“It helps me stay out of trouble and pursue a passion.”

– BC, inmate

“I forgot how much I enjoyed painting and this program inspired me to start painting again and to try to get better at it.”

– AK, inmate

“This program taught me how to paint and now I want to pursue this activity when I am released.”

– PC, inmate

“Working on my art is very therapeutic and helps keep my mind off other things I have going on in my life.”

– RB, inmate

CommunityService

It feels good knowing you are giving back to the community. I really enjoyed helping out when it came to working on the Yukon Quest Trail Markers. Such a big event. – TH, inmate

Community ServiceThe Whitehorse Correctional Centre also engages in work related projects that provide opportunities for skill building and giving back to the community. Examples are the production of the stakes for the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race, sock monkeys, and baby quilts for the Teen Parent Centre.

Corrections believes in the restorative benefits

of community service.

16 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Community Service

“I enjoyed working with the

WCC inmates in creating

something that would help the

community, especially the

children.”

– DH, Correctional Officer

Quest TrailMarkers

For the past 3 years, WCC has facilitated the creation

of the 5,000 trail markers required for the race.

Response from the Community Yukon Quest International:

“The Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race needs approximately 5,000 trail markers for the trail between Whitehorse and Dawson. The Whitehorse Correctional Centre has been incredible in facilitating the creation of these trail markers for us over the past 3 years. We truly appreciate all the hard work and effort that has been contributed by the WCC to the Yukon Quest.”

– Holly Smith, Operations Manager

Teen Parent Centre:

“I would like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to everyone who put effort and care in creating the baby quilts.”

– Kathy Heinbigner, Teacher Director

Emergency Medical Services:

“The sock monkeys are a great program. Please pass along my appreciation to the program coordinator.”

– D. Bailey

Community Service 17

WellnessPrograms

I feel yoga takes you beyond your limitations in life. Working with the staff WCC, I am able to share my positive support with the inmates through Yoga. – Sabu, Instructor Shanti Yoga

Wellness ProgramsThe Corrections Act provides for medical care for inmates and inmates at WCC have direct access to nursing staff, contracted doctors, psychiatrist, psychologists, dentists and optometrists. The Balanced Life Program, an essential life skills program, is a collaborative program between WCC healthcare and the Yukon College and is available to male and female inmates. Workshops are provided by Blood Ties, Yukon Communicable Disease Control and Public Health.

Other Health and Wellness programs include physical exercise, yoga, nutrition, gardening, guitar lessons, and other related available programs.

Health Services at WCC includes nursing staff

available 16 hours each day.

Volunteer Experience“I have been volunteering

at the women’s correctional unit for over 2 years. I come

and share my experience, strength and hope.”

– AA volunteer

18 Whitehorse Correctional Centre | Wellness Programs

Inmate Experiences

“The shuttle run offers inmates good exercise, fun competition and a great cardio work-out.”

– RB, inmate

“It was fun to learn something new. I always wanted to learn the guitar. When I am finished inside I would like to continue with lessons on the outside.”

– KG, inmate

“It helps inspire and motivate people to be healthy. It is awesome!”

– CQ, inmate

Elder QuoteElder Martha Snowshoe

“I am from Fort McPherson and a member of the WCC Elder’s Committee. I like working with the staff at WCC. They are very friendly and helpful. I work with the people and tell them stories of my life, of how it used to be, which was not the best growing up. I tell them how I have changed for the positive and they can too. I enjoy listening and crafting with people who are at WCC. I am so proud when I see them in the community and they are always full of hugs and thanks to let me know that they feel supported.”

“You learn how to become healthy, avoid injuries and it helps you breathe and sleep better.”

– RM, inmate

Whitehorse Correctional Centre25 College Drive | Whitehorse, Yukon | Canada Y1A 5B6Phone: (867) 455-2900