Extrajudicial Measures (EJM) is an alternative to formal court proceedings, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. It is commonly referred to as a Diversion program. As a pre-charge police referral, EJM is an available option to all local police services to respond to youth in conflict with the law.
Program Details
EJM allows a young person to take responsibility for their offense without being charged. Instead, youth work to complete an agreement through St. Leonard’s Community.
Once a EJM referral is received, the youth’s pending charge will be placed on hold by the investigating police officer to allow time for the youth to complete an EJM program.
Youth may wish to speak to a lawyer to consider all legal options before agreeing to participate in EJM. If participation in the EJM program is not appropriate, the referring officer will be notified by St. Leonard’s Community.
An EJM agreement will be worked out specifically based on the offense that brought the youth in conflict with the law. The EJM agreement will take into consideration how others have been affected by the offense.
An EJM agreement may include a combination of the following requirements:
- An apology (often a letter) to those affected by the offense
- Compensation to Persons Harmed
- Participation in an information/educational session relating to the offense
- A written report or essay
- A charitable donation from personal earnings
- Community Service work
Successful completion of an EJM means that the young person has avoided a potential youth criminal record or additional convictions. The referring officer will receive a report from the EJM facilitator detailing the efforts made that demonstrated that the young person has accepted responsibility and successfully completed the agreed measures as a means to repair harm caused. The officer will then not lay a charge.
An EJM agreement is a serious youth diversion obligation. If a youth does not complete the requirements of the agreement, the case will be returned to the referring officer for resolution, and participation in the EJM program will end. In most cases, the referring officer lays the charge and the matter is transferred to the Office of the Crown Attorney. The young person is now required to attend youth court to be held accountable for the offense.
Program Goals
Youth Diversion programs aim to create safer communities, support positive youth development, and reduce the likelihood of future involvement with the justice system.
- Early Intervention: Address issues early on, preventing escalation and promoting positive development.
- Alternatives to Formal Charges: Offer a constructive alternative to the formal justice system, reducing the risk of long-term consequences.
- Accountability: Hold youth accountable for their actions while promoting personal growth and responsibility.
- Community Reintegration: Support youth in making amends and reconnecting with their community.
- Empowerment: Equip youth with skills, confidence, and support to make positive life choices.
- Reduction of Recidivism: Decrease the likelihood of future offenses by addressing underlying issues and providing support.
- Youth ages 12 to 17, residing within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
- Youth must accept responsibility for their behaviour
- Youth must willingly agree to participate in the program
- Some offenses or circumstances are unacceptable for Diversion. Referring officers can connect with the Diversion Coordinator to ensure the referral will be accepted.
- As a pre-charge Diversion program, any police service in Hastings and Prince Edward County can choose this option when responding to a call for service involving a youth
