- To collaborate with the community, courts, police and governments to provide alternatives in the community for persons in conflict with the law, in a cost effective and responsive manner
- To provide opportunity for the community to be involved in the criminal justice system
- To encourage offenders to demonstrate responsibility to their community and accountability to their victims
- To initiate intervention and prevention strategies for youth at risk to offend
- To provide the opportunity for volunteerism
Adult Diversion
What:
To intervene in a positive manner with offenders - with the goal of avoiding further criminal activity.
- To provide the opportunity for offenders to avoid criminal records while still being held accountable for their actions
- To involve the offender as an active participant in the diversion process through the negotiation of the options
- To involve the community to the greatest extent possible in the reparation process.
For Whom:
- It is the decision of the Crown Attorney's Office whether to grant the individual the opportunity to enter the Adult Diversion Program
- This decision is based on the severity of the offence and the nature of any prior police contact
- If successful, the accused will have no criminal record and charges will be withdrawn
- If unsuccessful, the accused will be expected to attend court on the assigned date and deal with charges
How:
- Attend court and make application to the program and wait to hear about acceptance
- The fee for participation in this program is $200 (but can be negotiable based on person's income level)
Alternative Measures Program
What:
Under the new Youth Criminal Justice Act, the police can now divert youth to a program called Extra-judicial measures. Youth can continue to be diverted out of the court to a program called Extra-judicial sanctions. First time offender applies to use measures other than court proceedings to make things right in the community, youth gets the charge withdrawn if measures are successful
For Whom:
- 12 - 17 year olds; first offense
- Youth who admit responsibility for their actions
- Youth who fully and freely consent to participate
- Offence must not be of violent or aggressive nature
How:
- Attend court and speak to Duty Council regarding eligibility
- Youth signs application at first court appearance
- Youth gets return date and waits to hear from program
Extra-judicial Measures:
The Police have youth notify the program with a phone call, police then forward information regarding the offence. The program contacts the youth to setup an interview and to make an agreement. No charges are laid if completed satisfactorily.
Extra-judicial Sanctions
- Attend court and speak to Duty Council regarding eligibility
- Youth signs application at first court appearance
- Youth gets return date and waits to hear from program
- Program contacts youth and sets up and interview to make an agreement
- Charges are withdrawn if completed successfully
Choices/Anger Management
What:
Six week educational program with skill development in: problem solving, conflict resolution and managing emotions (anger) and teaches values and decision making.
For Whom:
- 10 - 17 year olds
- Youth at risk of becoming involved, or further involved in the Justice system / or having difficulties in the home or school
- With or without criminal charges
How:
- Have parent or guardian call Community Options for Justice
- Screening done by Community Options for Justice
- Can be voluntary or court ordered participation
Community Service Order (CSO)
What:
Allows offender to make amends to their community through volunteer work.
How:
- Court orders specific number of hours to be completed per week or per month
- Can be part of probation order or a stand alone order
- Offender can be charged with breach of order if not completed as ordered
Justice Circle
What:
Goal of the justice circle is to make amends in the community with the help of the community members (including the victim) to address the issues surrounding the offense.
For Whom:
- 10-17 year olds
- Youth who admit responsibility for their actions
- Youth who fully and freely consent to participate
- Youth and parents who are willing to participate
- With or without previous criminal charges
How:
- Can be accessed at anytime for persons involved in a dispute or when before the courts
- Parents or youth can call to setup appointments or get more information
Youth Outreach Tutoring
What:
Intervention program to support youth at risk for non-attendance, to return to school. A temporary arrangement (up to six hours per week) to assist skill building in math, reading, and life management.
For Whom:
- 12-17 year olds
- Youth at risk for non-attendance at school
- Youth on suspension from school
- Youth wanting to re-enter school after suspension
How:
- Have school or parent call Community Options for Justice
- Voluntary participation
- Education Act or Probation order
- Goal is for youth to return to school
- Activities may include: reading or math help, problem-solving, conflict resolution, school subject assistance
- Volunteers can assist in reception or clerical work (minimal computer skills required)
- Volunteers can assist in our Justice Circles, Outreach Tutoring Program or Housing Support Program - one-on-one coaching, or in a group.
- Volunteers can serve on our Board of Directors
- Volunteers can help with fundraising ie. Bingo
Contact: Ruth Merrill
Executive Director
52 Wellington Street South
Woodstock, Ontario
N4S 3H6
Telephone: 519-539-2119
Facsimile: 519-539-8185
E-mail: options83@execulink.com
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