Executive Director: William B. Sanderson
Program Manager: Bill Jones
Address: P.O. Box 638, Brantford, ON N3T 5F9
Telephone: (519) 753-4600 Fax: (519) 753-5220

Mission Statement: St. Leonard’s Community Services empowers clients to overcome life challenges by making responsible choices that effect positive change.

Program Goals: In order for clients to effectively manage day to day living without the use of substances and \ or resorting to criminal behaviour, we will teach clients how to develop:

Responsible behaviour, self-management and self-control coping strategies;

Respect for others;

Pro-social values, attitudes and beliefs and;

       Interpersonal problem-solving skills

History: Buffalo Street opened in October 1985 and became a division of the St. Leonard's Society of Brant in 1987.

Description: Buffalo Street is an 11-bed facility that offers substance abuse programming, individual counselling and employment training to federal male offenders.

Clients: The Buffalo Street Residential Program accommodates up to 11 male federal offenders on all forms of conditional release.

Exclusions: None

Client Services: Institutional Visiting: Inmates interested in applying to St. Leonard’s Community Services – Buffalo Street Residence must complete an application form that can be obtained by writing St. Leonard’s Community Services – Buffalo Street Residence. The inmate will receive a letter confirming receipt of his application form and the Intake Coordinator will schedule an interview. During the initial interview, information will include an overview of available services; acceptance process and program suitability will be determined. Regular visits will continue to provide support and assistance with reintegration plans. If deemed unsuitable, referrals will be made to other services.

Brantford Community Assessment Team: The Team consists of 7 members who represent local agencies and the community. Once a community strategy and \ or assessment is received by Brantford CSC, the case will be reviewed and a decision regarding residency support will be made. A letter outlining the Team’s decision will be sent to the inmate.

Orientation: Upon arrival, clients are oriented to the Brantford community, Buffalo Street programs, rules, regulations and substance abuse testing, educational opportunities and other community resources.

Assessment\Counselling: Clients are assigned an individual counsellor who provides weekly individual counselling. Additional support counsellors are available 24 hours a day.

Programs\Services:

Community Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention Program (CSARPP) – consists of 12 sessions offered once per week. Clients waiting to begin Choices are expected to attend CSARPP.

Choices – A Community Correctional Brief Treatment Relapse Prevention and Maintenance Program – consists of 22 sessions. 10 intensive (offered 3 nights per week for 3 weeks) and 12 maintenance (offered 1 night per week for 12 weeks.)

Counterpoint – consists of 20 group sessions and 3 individual sessions and may be offered up to 3 nights per week.

Cognitive Skills, Boosting Cognitive Skills and Anger and Emotions Management are offered by the CSC Program Delivery Officer. Family Violence programming is available thru a local agency – Nova Vita.

Access to Employment Services – Resume writing, career planning, referrals, job search planning and support are available thru St. Leonard’s Community Services – Youth Employment Centre.

 

House Meetings: Are held weekly to give clients opportunities for input into house policies and procedures, resolving issues and communicating concerns.

Release Planning: Buffalo Street works with clients to identify reintegration needs and to offer assistance as required.

Program Evaluation: Clients are asked to evaluate the program at the end or each group session and at the end of their residency.

Aftercare\Follow-Up: Support is available upon release from Buffalo Street and\or referrals to programs in other communities.

Institutions the Agency visits:

All Institutions in Ontario

CSC type Programs offered:

CHOICES

CSARPP

Counterpoint

CSC Liaison Office: Brantford Phone:(519) 751-8133

Revised November 2003