Research report urges sweeping reforms to reduce recidivism and improve continuity of care
A newly released research study examining mental health, substance use and incarceration in Nova Scotia has identified significant shortcomings in provincial correctional facilities, including inadequate mental health and addiction supports, poor release planning and limited continuity of care for incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community.
The report, led by researcher Dr. Laura Beach in partnership with Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH), a program of the North End Community Health Centre, outlines 32 recommendations aimed at reforming health care and support systems within provincial custody and reducing repeat incarceration.
The findings were released Monday through a public-facing policy report endorsed by several health and prison justice organizations, including the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network, East Coast Prison Justice Society, Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, People’s Advocacy and Transitional Hub, Wellness Within and the Dalhousie Health Justice Institute.
Study highlights cycle of incarceration tied to unmet mental health and housing needs
The research involved interviews with 21 individuals who had lived experience with incarceration, substance use and mental health challenges in Nova Scotia, alongside consultations with community organizations and service providers.
More than half of participants had been incarcerated within the past year, while most reported first entering custody between the ages of 12 and 19. Many participants had been incarcerated multiple times across different correctional facilities, with one-third reporting more than seven incarcerations.
Researchers found that most participants were incarcerated for non-violent offences, many of which were linked to poverty, addiction and survival-related circumstances.
Participants described being trapped in a recurring cycle of incarceration that was difficult to escape because of limited treatment options, lack of rehabilitation programming and barriers to stable housing upon release.
The report identified safe and affordable housing as the largest obstacle to successful reintegration into the community.
Researchers also pointed to broader systemic concerns already identified in previous Nova Scotia and national studies, including insufficient mental health assessment and treatment in custody, worsening mental health conditions caused by confinement practices, questionable prescription policies and limited release support.
According to the report, these factors collectively contribute to high recidivism rates and continued involvement with the justice system.
Calls for action revisit earlier provincial commitments
The study argues that many of the report’s recommendations reinforce previous calls to action made by prison justice advocates and public health organizations, including proposals advanced during the March 2024 Month of Action and the Intersectoral Action Plan for Decarceration in Nova Scotia.
Researchers also referenced recommendations connected to the 2010 public inquiry into the death of Howard Hyde, a Nova Scotia man who died following an altercation at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility while experiencing mental health distress.
The report states that several commitments made by the provincial government following that inquiry remain only partially implemented more than a decade later.
Among the report’s key recommendations are stronger restrictions on close confinement practices, mandatory trauma-informed mental health training for correctional staff and peace officers, improved mental health screening upon intake and expanded access to addiction treatment services, including opioid agonist therapy.
The report also recommends formal partnerships between correctional facilities and community-based organizations to improve in-custody programming, peer support services and continuity of care after release.
Researchers further called for increased transparency surrounding lockdowns and confinement practices, including public reporting on quarterly audits conducted by the Nova Scotia Office of the Ombuds.
Housing and reintegration identified as critical priorities
A major portion of the report focuses on reintegration challenges faced by people leaving custody.
Researchers urged the provincial government to improve housing affordability, close loopholes surrounding fixed-term leases and create transitional housing programs specifically for individuals being released from jail.
Additional recommendations include expanding case management services for incarcerated adults, improving discharge planning procedures and ensuring better coordination between correctional health services and community healthcare providers.
The report also recommends integrating culturally relevant supports for Indigenous people in custody, including improved access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous-led health services.
Researchers further called for greater investment in African Nova Scotian and Indigenous-led justice initiatives as part of broader decarceration efforts.
Report urges province to include incarcerated individuals in health-care reform plans
The report directly references Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s Action for Health Strategic Plan 2022–2026, noting that health care within correctional facilities was not included in the province’s broader healthcare transformation strategy.
Quoting the provincial plan, the report notes that transforming Nova Scotia’s healthcare system “will not be easy. It will be expensive. And it will not happen overnight.”
Researchers are calling on the province to extend those healthcare commitments to incarcerated Nova Scotians, arguing that prison health must be treated as part of public health policy.
The report also raises concerns about recent deaths in custody. According to the study, there have been 10 deaths in provincial custody since the beginning of 2023, including three in April 2026 alone.
Researchers argued that deteriorating confinement conditions and increased institutional lockdowns underscore the urgency of implementing reforms.
The study received partial funding through a Research Project Development Grant from the Canadian Research Institute for Substance Matters – Atlantic Node, with ethics approval granted through the Carleton University Research Ethics Board.