Social Reintegration Service – Espadrille

Most clients in provincial detention centres are repeat offenders who are serving short sentences. These clients did not have the tools or the support they needed to reintegrate into society when they were first released from prison.

Since 2001, the Social Reintegration Service – Espadrille has provided assistance to adults serving a sentence in a provincial detention centre (less than 2 years) or a community sentence. The Social Reintegration Service – Espadrille contributes to the successful social reintegration of these individuals in an attempt to prevent “revolving door” syndrome. 

The services aim to help participants:  

• acquire psychosocial skills (problem solving, self-control, self-awareness, critical thinking, prioritizing needs);
• achieve independence (awareness and accountability, knowledge of community resources in the area, integration into society and the community, compliance with social norms, etc.);
• develop more stability in their personal life (emotions, family, self-esteem, relationships) and professional life (training, socialization, employment, resources). 

The Social Reintegration Service – Espadrille works with Québec Correctional Services (SCQ) and community groups to ensure that the basic needs of participants are met. Its services are offered in correctional facilities as well as at the Downtown YMCA.

Program partners

• Services correctionnels du ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec
• Montréal and Rivière-des-Prairies detention centres
• Montréal halfway houses for men