CanFASD calls for urgent action to reform mental health care in federal corrections

canfasdblogJusticeLeave a Comment

CanFASD is calling for urgent reform in how mental health and cognitive disabilities are addressed in federal corrections. 

We strongly support the findings of the 2024–2025 Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI), tabled in Parliament on October 30. The report paints a troubling picture of systemic failures in identifying, assessing, and treating individuals with mental illness and cognitive disabilities – including those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). 

CanFASD commends Dr. Ivan Zinger, Correctional Investigator of Canada, for his leadership and for amplifying the urgent need for change. 

Gaps in mental health care 

The OCI’s findings highlight persistent gaps in mental health care within federal corrections. Too often, individuals with cognitive or neurodevelopmental disabilities experience: 

  • Inconsistent or absent screening and assessment; 
  • Limited access to appropriate treatment and supports; 
  • Environments that prioritize security over rehabilitation; and 
  • Staff who lack training to recognize and respond to neurodevelopmental needs. 

These conditions are inconsistent with principles of rehabilitation, dignity, and public safety. 

Our position 

CanFASD echoes the Correctional Investigator’s call for reform. We emphasize that individuals with FASD and other cognitive impairments require timely, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate care, both while in custody and during re-entry into the community. 

We particularly support the OCI’s recommendations that Correctional Service Canada should: 

  • Implement consistent national approaches for screening and assessment of cognitive deficits; 
  • Partner with community organizations that specialize in FASD and neurodevelopmental disabilities; and 
  • Expand access to adapted correctional programs and mandatory staff training to build awareness and competency. 

A collective responsibility 

Improving mental health care in corrections requires a collaborative, whole-of-government approach. CanFASD stands ready to work with Public Safety Canada, Correctional Service Canada, and other partners to turn evidence into action. 

We encourage professionals working at the intersection of mental health, justice, and neurodevelopmental disability to explore our Mental Health Toolkit. This resource was developed to support frontline counsellors, crisis workers, and community service providers who work with individuals with FASD.  

We also offer online training through our FASD for Solicitor General Professionals course. This course is designed for those working in justice and corrections, helping participants understand how FASD affects involvement with the legal system. 

Moving forward together 

Reforming Canada’s correctional mental health system is both a moral imperative and a public safety priority. As Kathy Unsworth, Executive Director of CanFASD, states: “We must move from awareness to action – embedding trauma-informed, neurodevelopmentally competent care into every level of correctional and community service delivery”. 

Leave a Reply