CFCN conservatively estimates that there are 450,000 children across Canada, under 19 years of age, who are affected by crime and research shows they are 2-4 times more likely to follow the school-prison pipeline. Indigenous people are a large part of this with an over-representation in prison and the fastest growing birthrate in Canada. 

These children are ignored, teased, and often bullied at school because they have a parent in jail, which may affect their self-esteem, scholastic marks, and interpersonal skills. They are at a higher level of risk factors that affect their social, emotional, financial, and educational well-being as they grow. Many of these families struggle with literacy, both traditional reading and writing, as well as digital literacy. 

Covid-19 has moved this group of Canadian children to a position of greater disadvantage. Staying at home, from March to June 2020, with their families has meant leaving behind the safety of school nutritional programs and protection from a home that may include many of the systemic issues of poverty, drugs, mental illness, residential schools, housing issues, domestic violence, etc. A child has no input into these issues but there is a great effect on their lives and a second pandemic wave would create this scenario again. The cost of masks and extra sanitation materials this year, along with school supplies and clothing, is beyond what our families already stretched budgets can afford. Many are not able to purchase computers if they need to move to remote learning. In a virtual teaching situation, where the focus on self-learning may be greater, these children who have literacy issues are at a disadvantage. 

CFCN’s presentation will explore the fact that Covid-19 has created a greater divide between children of prisoners and other Canadian children. We are currently working with the Atlantic Summer Institute, developing a policy brief on Upstream Approaches to Youth Mental health. We also sit on the Canadian Coalition for Children of Incarcerated Parents and have shared our ideas to help with the pandemic situation internationally. Let’s start a discussion around moving forward!

Schedule: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 12 to 1:15 PM (Atlantic Standard Time)

Delivery Method: Remotely, by virtual room

Cost: Free

Speaker: Louise Leonardi

Louise Leonardi is the Executive Director of Canadian Families and Corrections Network charity organization whose mission is “to build stronger and safer communities by assisting families affected by criminal behavior, incarceration and community reintegration”. In order to do this CFCN creates valued resources, respected research, unique programs and solid policy development to strengthen the family unit and the lives of everyone in it.

Louise has spent many years serving vulnerable populations and addressing issues related to homelessness, poverty, sex trade, justice, and youth. She has worked on Correctional Service Canada’s Citizens Advisory–National Reintegration Committee, is a former chair of Westmorland Institution Citizen Advisory Committee (for 12 years), and is a founding member of the New Brunswick Restorative Justice Committee, the Moncton, NB, Homelessness Committee and the Mississauga, ON, Homelessness Committee. She has an extensive background in Restorative Justice facilitation and training; has received Public Safety, Crime Prevention and community awards; and has authored research and articles on families and crime.