Help to Reclaim Independence & Sense of Self

Who it’s for:
Adults age 18+
Youth with the consent of a legal guardian
All genders 

Contact:
Call 780.428.7590 or email us 

enCompass offers this FREE program for those who wish to remove or cover up tattoos and/or self-harm scars that negatively affect their abilities to find stable housing, gainful employment, or educational opportunities. This includes visible markings on the face, hands and neck.

The program is focused on providing safe, effective tattoo removal and scar cover-up for former gang members, victims of abuse or human trafficking, and those who wish to remove racist or hate-based tattoos.

For many transitioning from the justice system, it can be the key to a successful reintegration. 

Eligibility

An initial consultation is required to determine if you are eligible for the program. To apply, the individual must be 18 years of age or older. If under the age of 18, we require consent from a legal guardian, who must be present at the removal/cover-up appointment.

Individuals can apply for the program themselves, or be referred by an outside agency. Once a referral form is received, a representative from enCompass will reach out to explain the process and requirements.

The Removal/ Cover-Up Process

An appointment is made with a participating local tattoo artist. Tattoos are removed using laser technology. The time involved will depend on the size, complexity and location of the tattoo.

Scar cover-up involves tattooing over the scarred area. The tattoo artist will work with you to come up with an empowering design. 

Is Removal Painful?

Tattoo removal pain is comparable to a bad sunburn, but is usually brief and lasts for a few hours to a day after treatment. The laser is sometimes described as a rubber band snapping against your skin, and can be more or less painful depending on the area of the body.

Missed Appointment Policy

Those who are accepted into the program and miss their removal appointment without notice or for an unapproved reason will not be able to rebook. For scarring cover-ups, no-shows would need to rebook and pay on their own. They will be required to either make a deposit or pay upfront in full (at the time of rebooking).

This is to protect the time of the tattoo artists who are providing this service to us at a subsidized rate.

See If You Qualify for the Tattoo Removal/ Cover-up Program

Call 780.428.7590 or email us.

Our Program Partners 

Operated by enCompass. Funding received through Edmonton Community Foundation.