Promote the implementation of a no-discharge-into-homelessness policy by the provincial government.

First Light research on Indigenous incarceration calls for better discharge planning

First Light’s recent research found that 34% of all participants would have nowhere safe to go if they were discharged that day. This was higher among Indigenous participants, at 39%. Those who stated that they had nowhere safe to go indicated that they may have to resort to survival crimes if no safe place could be secured. This highlights and reconfirms research showing that being homeless increases the risk of reoffending after discharge. Overrepresented and Undercounted names discharge planning as one of the main evidence-based policy imperatives for the correctional system in Newfoundland and Labrador. See Call for Change 11 for more detail.

Barrier: Inadequate discharge planning continues

As was the case in the 2024 Reconciliation Report, First Light staff continue to see inadequate discharge planning at correctional facilities. This often manifests as incarcerated individuals being discharged without arrangements even for temporary housing, without appropriate clothing (e.g. being released without appropriate outerwear in the middle of winter), and without adequate coordination with external support programs like those at First Light. Additionally, inmates who apply for public assistance (e.g. income support) before their release cannot have their applications processed until they are no longer incarcerated, leaving weeks of wait time during which a former inmate may be homeless.

Location and time of day are often not considered in decision-making at the time of release. As a result, individuals may be released from custody when all shelters in the area are already full or in a location far from supports that would otherwise be available. Indigenous inmates are often (though not always) from areas of the province far from the correctional facility.

Similarly, First Light staff have noted inadequate discharge planning from healthcare facilities. First Light’s Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) support Indigenous patients in St. John’s as they access healthcare, helping them navigate language barriers, find culturally safe support for their well-being, and stay connected to their culture throughout their care. Those travelling to St. John’s from Labrador for healthcare may be brought in an emergency air vehicle, such as Medevac, and sometimes with few of their to possessions. Upon discharge, the patient may be booked to travel home on a passenger plane. A patient in these circumstances may require support throughout their journey home, such as systems navigation and translation services. While these individuals are not technically being discharged into homelessness, there is a risk that patients who are otherwise permanently housed may risk becoming stranded.

Barrier: Shelter system remains unsafe for many Indigenous people

Many Indigenous people face racism and threats to their physical safety, or know others who have, when seeking access the shelter system. As a result, some choose alternatives such as sleeping rough (e.g. in a park). Inadequate safety in shelters and the risks associated with sleeping alone outdoors can push some to return to abusive domestic situations. This risk is especially high for women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

For NLHS:

• Address gaps faced at discharge by patients on the IPN caseload. This could be done by (a) implementing a policy to align discharge time for Indigenous patients on the IPN caseload with the IPN schedule, or (b) allocating funding for a 24-hour call schedule for St. John’s-based IPNs.

For the Department of Justice and Public Safety (JPS):

• In collaboration with community service providers, implement a policy requiring that comprehensive discharge plans for all inmates be put in place before their release date. This policy must explicitly prohibit anyone from being discharged into homelessness.

For the Department of Social Supports and Well-Being (SSWB):

• Update policies on applying for income supports and other social programs to allow for processing of applications from individuals while they are incarcerated, with benefits to begin immediately upon release. Coordination with JPS staff involved in developing discharge plans will be required.

For providers of shelter space:

• Ensure all staff complete mandatory training on cultural humility, Indigenous cultures and histories, intergenerational trauma, anti-oppressive practice, and antiracism intervention.