Description

Sir Sandford Fleming House (SSFH) was opened in 1984, by Saint Leonard’s Society of Nova Scotia. On Oct 13 2011, we changed our name to Shelter Nova Scotia. Shelter Nova Scotia seeks to grow effective continuum of services that help people transition from crisis back to community. In pursuit of our goals, Shelter Nova Scotia oversees the operation of: two Community Residential Facilities that help men and women make the change from prison living to community living, two facilities for men and women experiencing homelessness, a supportive housing program for men and women moving from shelter living to community living, and a Community Trustee Program for individuals in the community.We believe in the value of all people and offer effective reintegration and support programs through CSC/community partners for people making the change from prison to community living.

SSFH is a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) that houses both Federal and Provincial male offenders.The facility accommodates individuals on conditional release in the community. This may include Day Parole, Full Parole, Statutory Release Voluntary, Statutory Release with Residency, Temporary Absences, and Half-way Back releases. When the facility is determining whether or not an offender is suitable for residency at our facility, factors including community and staff safety are one of the primary factors considered. Other factors may include programming the individual has successfully participated in, as well as the level of motivation they are expressing towards change, and leading a law-abiding pro-social lifestyle.

SSFH can accommodate up to 20 males. Among other services, we offer three meals a day, snacks, laundry facilities, phone, and television. Staff is on site 24 hours per day, seven days per week to offer support and information. House staff interact with the Parole Officer assigned to each case on a regular basis to monitor the progress of each resident.

• Beds 20 (20 CSC)
• Population Male
• Age 18+
• Exclusions People who are not on Conditional release.
• Criteria Must be on Conditional Release and have applied for residency through Correctional Service of Canada.

Application Process

Our facility provides suport to both Federal and Provincial cases. Men who are interested in applying to reside at Fleming House must express interest to their Institutional Parole Officer. The Institutional Parole Officer will send out an official Community Strategy request at which time the facility, local Parole Officer, and police will review the file and determine if residency is supported and recommended programming and special conditions. Fleming House also accepts cases from the Community that are on Parole and these are usually referred to as Halfway Back cases. A discussion takes place with the Parole Officer as to the reasoning behind requesting a Halfway Back and a decisions is made on accommodating. All referrals come directly through Correctional Services of Canada.

Community Involvement

SSFH has been a part of the neighborhood in North End Halifax for many years. The facility is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, under the direction of the Executive Director of Shelter Nova Scotia. Designated staff participate in various community meetings focused on corrections, health and homelessness needs in the Halifax area. The facility also accepts student placements, in an effort to provide students with practical work experience to prepare them for the field.

Local Parole Office

• Web http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/
• Phone (902) 426-3408
• Fax (902) 426-8000