Youth Justice Committee, following the principles of Restorative Justice, brings together people harmed, the offender, and community members to address the hard caused by the incident. Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, youth people take responsibility for their actions, make amends, and work towards health and reparation. This approach focuses on repairing harm, promoting accountability and fostering positive growth. By engaging in the community and addressing root cases, we can reduce reoffending and build safer, more compassionate communities.
Program Details
Youth referred to the YJC will be instructed to contact the YJC Coordinator or meet the Coordinator while attending court. The Coordinator will set up a meeting for the initial interview with the youth along with their parent/guardian(s) to guide them through the process.
During the interview the youth will be encouraged to discuss the referring incident and ask any questions they or parent/guardian(s) may have. The Coordinator will offer some insight concerning the impact the behaviour had on the person(s) harmed and the community. They will discuss the Youth Conference including the expectations of all attendees, ensuring the environment is safe and respectful.
In the case of pre-charge police referral, the referring police officer will be notified of the successful completion and usually, there will be no further actions.
In the case of post-charge court referral, the youth will be required to return to court on the set adjournment date and appear again before the Judge. A written report will be submitted to the court confirming the successful completion of YJC program. The Court has the option of withdrawing the charge(s), and in some cases, the Court may also impose a Peacebond.
A YJC 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 agent, either a police officer the Court for resolution, and participation in the EJM program will end.
For a pre-charge police referral, 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.
For a post-charge Court referral, the Crown Attorney and Judge will move forward with the charge(s) before the court, which may result in a conditional discharge, probation, and a Youth Criminal Record for the young person.
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 or Criminal Records: Offer a constructive alternative to the formal justice system or guilty conviction and a Youth Criminal Record, reducing the risk of long-term consequences.
- Accountability: Hold youth accountable for their actions while promoting personal growth and responsibility.
- Restorative Justice: Focus on repairing harm, promoting healing, and addressing the root causes of behavior.
- 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.
A Youth Conference is a meeting between a young person who has committed an offense, their victim, or better referred to as the person(s) harmed, and a pair of trained community members to facilitate the meeting the conference provides a safe space for:
- The young person to take responsibility for their actions
- The person(s) harmed to express their feelings and concerns
- All parties to work together to find a resolution
- The young person to make amends and commit to positive change
After hearing from all parties, the committee will determine the measures to be performed by the young person. The Coordinator will prepare an Agreement which is signed by the youth, their parent/guardian(s) and the representative of the committee.
What are the possible measures/sanctions?
- Letter of Apology
- Personal service work for the person(s) harmed
- Compensation to the person(s) harmed
- Essay that is appropriate to the offense
- Donation to charity
- Community service work
- Participation in relevant program(s) i.e. person(s) harmed empathy
- Educational sessions
Persons Harmed are individuals within our community who have been directly affected by the actions of the young person. They play an integral role in helping the youth understand how their actions have impacted them, both emotionally and financially. Persons Harmed will be invited to participate in the Youth Conference in person or submit a statement to be read on their behalf.
Everyone directly affected by the referring incident will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns regarding the offense(s). This will enable the young person to better understand the impact the offense had on the person(s) harmed and community.
- 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 a EJM 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
- As a post-charge Diversion program, the Crown Attorney and presiding Youth Court Justice can choose this option for youth before the Court.
YJC Volunteers
Join our Youth Justice Committee as a volunteer and make a difference in your community! As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping young people who have committed minor offenses take responsibility for their actions and make amends. Through restorative justice practices, you’ll support victims, offenders, and their families in finding positive solutions and promoting healing. Your time and expertise will help divert youth from the court system, reduce recidivism, and foster safer communities. Be part of a compassionate and constructive approach to justice – volunteer with us today!
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a current resident of Hastings or Prince Edward Counties
- Must comply with the bylaws and policies of St. Leonard’s, including and without limitation, the confidentiality requirements and conflict of interest requirements of the corporation
- Must support the mission and the goals of the organization particularly as they relate to Youth Justice principles of inclusion and reintegration
- Must submit a current CPIC that includes a Vulnerable Sector Check
- Must agree to sign an Oath of Confidentiality
- Must complete Belleville and District Youth Justice Committee (BYJC) Restorative Justice training as arranged and facilitated by St. Leonard’s Community Support, Prevention and Residential Services (SLCSPRS)
How to Apply
To apply, please fill out the online form below or download the printable pdf application.
