ADULT PROGRAMS - LONDON

Many people are arrested with very few personal belongings, often unsuitable for staying in holding cells or attending court. Others may lack warm clothing when released during the winter months. The Salvation Army CJS office, located at the London courthouse, collects donated clothing to assist in these situations. We provide appropriate clothing for individuals waiting in cells to attend court and supply warm coats for those being released in colder weather. Additionally, the CJS Chaplaincy team distributes clothing upon request from the London Police Service and for inmates at EMDC.

This is a life skills counselling program for anyone involved in the criminal justice system or who is at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Assistance includes individual and group sessions and referrals to other community agencies. Program topics include self-awareness, loss and grief, anger, depression, healthy choices, stress management, assertiveness, problem solving, self-esteem and goal setting.

This program is for anyone arrested on shoplifting charges or who is struggling with compulsive theft or shoplifting. Assistance includes individual and group sessions and referrals to other community agencies. Topics include understanding why people steal, theft as a response to loss, healthy coping strategies, and stages of change.

This program is open to anyone who has been charged with or is engaging in and has never been arrested for buying sex or is struggling with a pornography addiction. It is an educational program that consists of community speakers including a survivor of sex trafficking, videos, group discussion and written exercises. We operate on the Equality Model which focuses on the demand (the sex buyer) with the goals of education, accountability and ultimately the abolition of the sexual exploitation of women and girls. We address a range of issues including gender socialization and the realities of pornography, prostitution and human trafficking. There is also an opportunity to meet one-to-one to seek further resources and support should participants wish to do so. This is a fee for service program which helps to support the Cornerstone program.

One-to-one outreach support is provided to existing clients to overcome barriers to successfully addressing their needs and goals. Outreach may include accompaniment and/or support navigating the justice system, legal or court appointments, attending hospital visits, dental or medical appointments, referrals to other community agencies, counselling, food bank, housing applications, education, back-to-work preparation, and other community based services.  

The Cornerstone Program provides support for adults who identify as trafficked individuals, or who have been or are currently involved in the sex trade. Assistance is provided in navigating the justice system, obtaining crisis counselling, transportation to appointments and referrals to other services in the community. Individuals can self-refer or they can be referred to the program by other agencies. The program extends beyond basic intervention with an emphasis on being strengths- based, trauma-informed and client-centred. One-to-one outreach support may also be provided in response to the needs and goals identified by participants, such as accompaniment and support throughout the process of reporting sexual assault, attending court or other legal appointments, assisting with transportation to hospital, dental or therapeutic appointments, or liaising with other support services. Tools are also provided for leaving the sex trade safely if requested. A women’s only group is conducted weekly and facilitated by an experienced outreach worker.  Special events, guest speakers and outings for further developing life skills are also offered periodically throughout the year.

Individuals at the Elgin Middlesex Detention centre may apply for a visit from one of the Salvation Army Chaplaincy team through the EMDC Social Worker on their unit or through the EMDC Chaplain. One-to-one visits for prayer, spiritual care and practical support is provided, in addition to the following programs offered to clients in an Institutional setting.

Spiritual and Religious Care:

The Salvation Army Chaplain provides support to those in custody and acts as a liaison with EMDC personnel, lawyers and families. Chaplaincy services are integral to transforming lives and building safer communities. The Salvation Army helps reduce anxiety for those impacted by the criminal justice system and compassion to those who find themselves in a stressful environment. The chaplain is available to provide spiritual counselling and prayer support for those having difficulty coping with their circumstances. Practical support, inspirational literature, referrals to community supports, warm clothing and other assistance is provided as required.

Alpha Program

The Alpha Course is offered weekly for men and women in custody at EMDC. Alpha has been designed for use in a custodial setting and is an effective way to share the Good News of Jesus by focusing on the essentials of the Christian faith. Through the use of this interactive video series, open discussion and prayer, Alpha can be used to address many of the spiritual questions asked by those struggling with life’s challenges and the justice system. Many participants have been able to see their lives transformed by the Alpha program and engaging in the spiritual heart-led journey into the gospel.

Bear Hugs From Moms

The Bear Hugs from Mom Program at EMDC is for women who are incarcerated over Christmas and want to send their child (0-12yrs) a teddy bear. Inmates may sign up for the program through the social worker on the unit. The child’s care-provider will be contacted for permission to send the gift. Volunteers assist with wrapping and delivering the packages.

Sunshine Bags

Christmas is often a particularly difficult time for people in custody, as they are separated from friends and family. Many also face the loss of their homes and possessions while awaiting the resolution of their cases through the justice system. To bring encouragement during this season, The Salvation Army CJS Chaplaincy team prepares over 500 Sunshine Bags each December—one for every inmate at EMDC. Each bag contains two pieces of fruit, a chocolate bar, and a short newsletter offering spiritual care and support. With the help of EMDC chaplaincy volunteers, we personally distribute these bags throughout the facility. We also bring seasonal cheer by singing Christmas carols, often inviting the inmates to join in. These moments of connection are meaningful, reminding individuals that The Salvation Army is available to support them both practically and spiritually upon their release.



Clothing Program

Many individuals are arrested with few personal belongings or are wearing clothing unsuitable for court appearances or release during the cold winter months. The Salvation Army CJS is regularly called upon by EMDC to provide winter jackets, coats, hoodies, shirts, and slacks. The CJS Chaplaincy team collects donated clothing not only for EMDC but also for use in other programs that serve those affected by the justice system.

Contacts

Michele Hines, B.A.
PLP Program Counsellor
519-432-9553 ext. 3
michele.hines@salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services believes that all people are capable of positive change. We partner with the The Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN) to facilitate this program.

The CSO program serves adults who have been ordered by the courts to complete a prescribed number of community service hours. The directed individuals are expected to attend placements and regularly scheduled progress meetings, and complete their community hours within the allotted timeframe to have successful completion.