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Youth Justice Program Launched
Fort Frances
By John Mains
Young People's Press
Steve Latimer has seen too many youths pass through the court
system alone, confused, unprepared, uninformed and intimidated
by the judicial process.
"Even those with supportive parents were dragged in
by the ear, so it was seen as punishment and nothing was being
fixed, " said Latimer, who retired from the Ontario Provincial
Police two years ago after a 30-year stint.
"They had little or no appreciation for what was really
happening."
But youth in trouble with the law in Fort Frances now have
some help.
The Fort Frances and District Youth Justice Program is "operation-ready"
with everything in place to accept clients, said Latimer,
the program's co-ordinator.
The alternative-to-court program has the community handing
out its own form of justice.
The process begins with officers from local police services
OPP and Anishinabek First Nations, who can refer youth between
the ages of 12 and 17 to the program following a first-time,
non violent I incident rather than lay a charge, he explained.
After completing the investigation, the officer must consult
with the victim and explain the program before offering it
to the youth.
The program is offered only if the victim agrees.
In return, the youth must accept responsibility for the incident
and understand the process is not a trial, Latimer said.
If he or she thinks they are not guilty; the co-ordinator
suggests they go through the court process
A meeting is arranged between the victim and the youth, their
families and friends, and two facilitators in a neutral place.
Seating is arranged in a circle so all can see each other;
no boundaries and no hierarchy he said.
Everyone is allowed to speak uninterrupted: first, the youth
who admits to the criminal act; then the victim who has the
opportunity to look them in the eye and describe how their
life has been affected.
The others are then allowed to speak to explain how the incident
affected them.
The facilitators oversee a group discussion. The supporters
add a lot to the process, Latimer said. "The young person
gets to see that it (their action) affects a lot more than
they thought it did. It could all get really emotional."
Following the discussion, a 'resolution contract' outlining
what the youth must do to avoid being charged is reached by
group consensus.
Latimer said the contract is used as part of the healing
process, rather than just a punishment. An apology is part
of every agreement. Other conditions can include curfews,
improved school attendance, restitution and community service,
as well as referrals to other programs like anger management,
counselling and recreational activities.
The youth must update Latimer on their progress and when
they complete their contract. He said they are given a reasonable
time frame but are expected to complete all conditions within
three months.
Latimer researched similar programs across Canada. These
have compliance rates of 90 per cent higher, he said, compared
to rates of less than 30 per cent for youth who received probation
with no alternatives measures option.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act to take effect in April places
greater emphasis and reliance on alternative measures to help
keep youth out of unnecessary court and custody situations.
Sue Herman, a volunteer facilitator and supporter of the
youth justice program, said she eagerly accepted Latimer's
invitation to be involved.
"The system can swallow up a child very quickly."
Hermand said. "No one asks the youth to tell the whole
story and all the courtroom talk is 'legalese', so they don't
understand what is happening. Everyone is a winner with this
program, she said.
"Youth can actually achieve something…they'll have
more resources to help them succeed and more support and understanding.
"Victims will now have a voice so they feel less powerless
and violated. It will also free up the court system to deal
with more serious crimes."
Teens and their offences will now be dealt with more quickly;
within days or weeks, instead of months down the line through
the courts, Herman said.
Latimer and Herman plan to expand the program to cover more
of the Fort Frances region and more offences. Currently, only
non-violent crimes such as vandalism, fraud and mischief or
theft under $5,000 are covered. Latimer said they could deal
with a Level 1 assault - such as pushing and shoving, or a
minor fight.
For now, Latimer said, his job is to continue educating the
community - individuals, leaders, schools and businesses about
the program and its potential benefits.
John Mains is a Northern Ontario- based writer for Young
People's Press, a national non-profit youth news service
(www.ypp.net)
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