Rush file photo
WHITEHORSE – The Government of Yukon has approved funding for a new community housing program that will provide 24/7 supervised housing and programming services for up to eight justice-involved women.
The program will be run in partnership with the Government of Yukon and the Connective Support Society (Connective), formerly known as the John Howard Society. The location of this program is set to be beside the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, to provide access to transit, Yukon University, and schools according to Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee.
Connective will run and administer the program in collaboration with the Council of Yukon First Nations and will begin hiring and training employees in preparation for the program’s inaugural participants.
Below shows just one of the 8 bedrooms set to hold the individuals enrolled in the program.
Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee says this essential service is the first of its kind in the North.
“And this facility and programming here will allow us to address long-standing challenges that are faced by women who are involved with the justice system.”
McPhee added that the government is looking forward to delivering the service alongside Connective.
“This supervised community housing program provides a gender-responsive solution to ensuring essential housing support and services for justice-involved women. The safe and effective transition back into our communities after time in the justice system is vital for overall personal and community well-being. Our government is proud to be partnering with Connective on delivering this important and one-of-a-kind service in the North that puts people first. It is also part of the Government of Yukon’s broader commitment to supporting gender equity and ending violence.”
Participants in the program will not require high-security custodial care, but they will benefit from some level of monitoring to aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
