|
Youth Justice Committee - York Region
The York Region Youth Justice Committee meets with youth
charged with minor offenses and their families to negotiate
accountable and creative ways for the youth to make amends
for their actions and give back to their communities.
It works seamlessly with Probation to ensure minor youth
offenses are addressed on a timely basis. This program has
operated since February of 2003.
April of 2002, the Ministry of the Attorney General identified
York Region as a site for a Youth Justice Committee. The York
Region Crown Attorney's office and the Youth Justice Committee's
Steering Committee recruited Operation Springboard to act
as the administrating agency for this initiative. Springboard
invited Steve Hinder, a long-time and active resident of the
town of Aurora, to develop and administer this committee.
Steve brought to the position a wealth of experience and
community contacts through his 30 years with the Toronto Police
Service and three years on the Town of Aurora's Municipal
Council. He embarked on an ambitious recruitment strategy
to engage volunteers from communities throughout York Region.
By providing articles in two local community papers and guest
appearances on York Region's cable television, Steve promoted
the exciting new program and received applications from over
50 interested volunteers.
The Steering Committee was divided into four panels and assessed
the suitability of applicants with a standardized scored interview.
By the end of the summer, a committee of approximately 40
members was formed. Initial training provided to committee
members included a volunteer orientation session held at the
Newmarket Court house. At this session, volunteers were introduced
to the existing process in a "mock court" conducted
by representatives from the Crown's office, Probation, Police
and the Judiciary.
Committee volunteers were then invited to attend an Interviewing
Workshop held in Aurora delivered by volunteers from the Toronto
Police Service's Training and Education Unit. Hosted at the
Cardinal Golf Club, the Ministry of the Attorney General facilitated
training to committee volunteers on two dates in November
and December, 2003. Subsequent monthly meetings finalized
local logistical issues including the development of sub-committees
and committee By-Laws.
The support of the York Region community and key community
partners has been instrumental to the success of this committee.
The Quaker community
of Newmarket has donated a space at their Meeting Place where
Youth Justice Committee meetings are being held.
This historic building is over 200 years old and was created
as a place for people to meet for the good of others -- the
spirit in which Youth Justice Committees are held. The Quakers
are exceptional partners who have welcomed us with tremendous
support.
Building on this community support, presentations have been
made to the Newmarket and Aurora Optimists clubs and a group
of Loss Prevention officers from the York Region police. Youth
Justice Committee members participated in a workshop hosted
at the Catholic District School Board that provided an overview
of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and prepared the
York Region community for a provincial conference (February
2003) where local responses to support the implementation
of this Act were established.
During the summer months, activities have focused on strengthening
current partnerships and reaching out to all the communities
throughout York Region. The committee looks forward to meeting
with youth, families and victims in the upcoming months to
work together and build a safer and better community.
Liz Igoe
eigoe@operationspringboard.on.ca
Tel: 416-915-7661
Fax: 416-915-7663
976 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M6H 1A5
|
