Rebound Child & Youth Services is proud to be the supporting
agency for the Ministry of the Attorney General Youth Justice
Program.
The new Youth Criminal Justice Act was implemented
April 1, 2003, recognizing the importance of community-based
programming. Young persons (ages 12-18) may be referred
to a Youth Justice Committee (YJC), as a form of diversion
through Police Services or the Crown Attorney.
A comprehensive intake is completed with all young persons
who participate in the program, at which time program eligibility
is determined, based on accountability for actions.
Participation in a YJC is a voluntary commitment, and if
the young person does not follow through at any point in
the process, they may be referred back for another course
of action.
The Youth Justice Committee meeting involves coordination
of three, trained community volunteers who facilitate a
meeting with the young person, their support people, the
person harmed, their support people, and the arresting police
officer along with any other people who were affected by
the crime. This meeting entails comprehensive discussion
around:
- Detailed account of the offence
- Exploration of who was affected by the crime, and how
they were affected
- Determination of what can be done to ‘repair
the harm’
- Signed agreement, outlining specific measures or sanctions
to be completed with specific timelines
The Northumberland YJC Program is overseen by a local YJC
Steering Committee comprised of community partners including:
Crown Attorney, Police Services, Legal Aid and Youth Justice
Services. The Youth Justice Committee Program provides a
constructive opportunity for reparation of harm, with input
from all parties who were affected by the crime, in a timely
fashion.
To get involved in this creative Youth Justice Diversion
Program – call (905) 372-0007. Orientation and training
sessions are offered regularly throughout the year.
Rebound Child & Youth Services Inc.
700 D’Arcy Street North
Upper Level, Unit 20
Cobourg, ON
K9A 5T3
Contact person:
Rosemary Orendt, Program Coordinator
Tel (905) 372-0007 ext. 227
Fax (905) 372-0070
Email: rosemary@rcys.ca
