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Youth Justice Committees involve trained community members
who meet with victims, young people accused of minor offences
and their parents, to negotiate an appropriate way for the
young person to make amends for his or her actions.
YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEES
Committees aim to reduce repeat offences
Youth Justice Committees bring together young people accused
of first time, minor non-violent offences, their parents,
victims and trained members of the community to negotiate
an appropriate way for the young person to make amends for
his or her actions. Youth Justice Committees provide an increased
role for victims and communities in dealing with minor offences
committed by young persons who take responsibility for their
actions.
Programs similar to Ontario’s Youth Justice Committees
are underway in Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,
the Northwest Territories, Australia, and New Zealand.
How Youth Justice Committees Work
- The Committee is made up of volunteers in the community
who work in partnership with participants in the criminal
justice system.
- Police may refer the young person to the Committee before
a charge is laid, or the Crown may refer the young person
after a charge is laid.
- In order for a young person to be referred to the Committee,
the young person must accept responsibility for his or her
actions, be willing to participate in the program and be
aware of his or her options or rights.
- At a Youth Justice Committee meeting, participants work
together to come up with measures as an alternative to formal
court proceedings.
- Young people who do not agree with, or fail to comply
with the measures, are returned to the formal court system.
Examples of Measures
Measures take into consideration the individual circumstances
of the offence and the young person. An apology must be made
in every case. Examples of measures include:
• Community Service
• Curfews
• Paying back the victim
• Counseling programs, such as anger management sessions
• An agreement by the young person not to associate
with a person or a group
• Voluntary surrender of driving privileges
Selection of Members
A Steering Committee is formed in each site to develop a
Youth Justice Committee and solicit volunteer membership.
The Steering Committee is made up of police, Crown attorneys,
defense counsel, victim services representatives, probation
officers, and Legal Aid Ontario representatives. Applicants
for membership on the Youth Justice Committee are:
• Representative of the community
• Subject to a criminal record check
• Recommended by the Steering Committee
• Approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General
• Trained, and take an oath of confidentiality
• Removed for any inappropriate behaviour, such as
breach of confidentiality or non-disclosure of conflict
of interest
Eligible Offences
- Theft, possession under $5,000
- False pretences under $5,000
- False statement under $5,000
- Food, accommodation fraud
- Fraud, mischief under $5,000
- Cause disturbance
- Property Offences Over $5,000.00
- Giving a False Name When Arrested
- Credit Card Offences
- Minor Assaults (schoolyard scuffles, altercations, interpersonal
conflicts)
Sponsoring Ministries
The Ministry of the Attorney General is the lead ministry
responsible for the establishment of the Youth Justice Committees.
The Youth Justice Committees are also supported by the Ministries
of Community, Family, and Children’s Services, the Solicitor
General, and Community Safety and Correctional Services.
For more information please contact:
John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and area
225 King William Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, ON
L8R 1B1
Website: www.johnhoward.ca
Contact: Sabrina Donnelly
Hamilton Youth Justice Committee Coordinator
Tel: 905-522-4446 ext. 231
Fax: 905-524-2223
Email: sdonnelly@jhshamilton.on.ca
David Lane
Executive Director
John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and area
Tel: 905-522-4446 ext. 224
Fax: 905-524-2223
Email: davidlane@jhshamilton.on.ca
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