Reintegrating Offenders

Offenders released from prison face a variety of challenges in returning to a responsible community life. The following resources deal with this issue.

The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.

You may also find helpful resources listed under the legal topics: Reintegration, and  Parole


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs. Their Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Violence (ILA) provides free legal advice to survivors of sexual violence. The society also has court workers who provide information to both men and women on court procedure and plea options.  They will also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community resources.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services, Reintegration, Restorative justice

Alberta Resources

The Calgary John Howard Society's vision is to promote positive change through humane, just, and informed responses to crime and its effects. The organization provides programs for both adults and youth involved in the criminal justice system, or who are at risk for becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Provide support and assist individuals throughout the various stages of the record suspension application process.

Related legal topic(s): Corrections, Crime prevention, Criminal records and record suspensions, Reintegration, Restorative justice

Edmonton John Howard Society is a not-for-profit, community-based crime prevention agency. They provide assistance to people in conflict with the law, their families, those who have the potential to be in conflict with the law, and victims of crime. Their work to eradicate the root causes of crime helps build safety and harmony in communities. The Edmonton John Howard Society works to promote a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the consequences of breaking the law. Their work is accomplished through educational presentations provided to youth in the school system and the community. Caseworkers provide support and assist individuals throughout the various stages of the record suspension application process.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials, Corrections, Crime prevention, Criminal records and record suspensions, Reintegration

Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary offers pathways to healing for women, youth and Indigenous peoples who are affected by systemic social issues which contribute to their criminalization.    Services include: Soksipaitapiisin Case Management Table supporting healing plans of those whose charges are heard within Calgary's Indigenous Court; Restorative Justice and Integration case management supports; Dana's House Transitional Housing for criminalized and homeless Indigenous women; Youth Mentorship Program for at risk youth, Indigenous Cultural Supports; Volunteer Court Programs - serving Calgary, Lethbridge and some southern regional areas; and Legal Advocacy services including supporting record suspension applications and legal information.
Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Advocacy, Courts and court judgments, Legal services

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs. The society has court workers who provide information to both men and women on court procedure and plea options.  They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community resources. The Elizabeth Fry Society helps women with the process of applying for a record suspension.

Related legal topic(s): Criminal records and record suspensions, Legal services, Reintegration, Restorative justice

This guide is designed with the intent of helping families and friends of men incarcerated in Alberta navigate our sometimes complex and intimidating Criminal Justice System. This booklet has been prepared by the Edmonton John Howard Society.
Related legal topic(s): Arrest, Corrections, Crime prevention, Criminal records and record suspensions, Legal process, Parole

The John Howard Society of Alberta is a non-profit agency concerned with the problem of crime and its prevention. The organization takes its name and spirit from the 18th century humanitarian John Howard, whose name has become a symbol of humane consideration for prisoners. It was incorporated in 1949, and today the organization consists of six separately incorporated districts along with the Provincial Office. The website provides information about the services available in each of these districts.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials, Corrections, Crime prevention, Criminal records and record suspensions, Reintegration

This report prepared by the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre discusses the rights of adults (persons who are 18 years or older) who have been accused or convicted of crimes and are either being held in custody in Alberta jails or correctional institutions or being supervised in the community by correctional authorities (for example, those released on bail, parole or other forms of conditional release).

Related legal topic(s): Charter of Rights, Civil liberties, Parole

Canada/Federal

CAEFS is an association of self-governing, community-based Elizabeth Fry Societies that work with and for women and girls in the justice system, particularly those who are, or may be, criminalized. The website provides contact information for member societies across the country and a directory of programs and services in each region.

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Reintegration, Restorative justice

The John Howard Society is a network of offices across Canada and the Northwest Territories committed to "effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime." They work with people who have come into conflict with the law, advocate for changes in the criminal justice process, engage in public education on matters relating to criminal law and promote crime prevention through community and social development activities. The website provides access to information about the services in each province.

Related legal topic(s): Corrections, Crime prevention, Criminal records and record suspensions, Reintegration, Restorative justice