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ASSOCIATED YOUTH SERVICES
OF PEEL
CALEDON/DUFFERIN & PEEL YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEES
In late Spring of 2002, Associated Youth
Services of Peel (AYSP) was selected as the host agency for
The Youth Justice Committee (YJC) in Peel Region.
In the Fall of 2002, an advertisement was placed in the local
newspaper requesting volunteers to serve on Youth Justice
Committees in Peel. Many members of the Peel community responded
to the advertisement, forwarding resumes or letters of interest.
In February 2003, an Information Night for all interested
parties was held at our office. At the Information Night,
Youth Justice Committees were explained in further detail,
and applicants were invited to sign up for an interview if
they wished to pursue their interest in the Program.
In March 2003, face-to-face interviews were held with all
interested individuals. Interviews were conducted by the Youth
Justice Committee Coordinator and members of AYSP's Internal
Committee for YJC, and members of the Steering Committee.
Following the interviews, individuals were selected as potential
volunteers with recommendations from the interviewers.
On May 3, 2003, twenty-four (24) individuals attended at the
AYSP office for a one-day Ministry of the Attorney General
YJC training. All Volunteers submitted Criminal Reference
Checks, and were required to go through a process of approval
by the Ministry of the Attorney General to participate in
Peel’s YJC Program.
In February 2004, in addition to hosting
the Peel Youth Justice Committee, Associated Youth Services
of Peel (AYSP) expanded our YJC services to include the Dufferin
Youth Justice Committee.
Recruitment for the Dufferin area YJC Volunteers
began in March 2004 and in September 2004 the training of
twelve (12) volunteers took place. Upon approval from the
Ministry of Attorney General, in April 2005, the Dufferin
Youth Justice Committee volunteers were sworn in.
Referrals to the YJC were being made in
January and February of 2005, however space to conduct the
circles was not secured until June 2005, at which time the
Dufferin YJC became fully active.
YJC Steering Committee:
The Dufferin Youth Justice Committee is governed
by the same Steering Committee as the Peel Youth Justice Committee,
as both regional committees are hosted by AYSP. The Youth
Justice Committee in Dufferin & Peel, are guided by a
Steering Committee made up of representatives from the Crown's
Office, Defense Bar, Victim Services, The Ministry of Children
and Youth Services –Justice Services Branch (MCYS),
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services(MCSCS),
Peel Regional Police and Legal Aid Ontario. Members of the
Steering Committee meet monthly, to discuss the progress of
the YJC in Peel, and to speak to any issues which arise. Members
also take the time to review resumes and letters of interest
of all potential volunteers for the YJC, which are then sent
to the Ministry of the Attorney General for final approval.
AYSP's Internal Committee for YJC:
In the early stages of developing a proposal,
AYSP invited several staff members to sit on the YJC Internal
Committee. These individuals bring with them a variety of
experience and knowledge, having worked in and around the
Justice System for a number of years. Currently there are
five members on the Internal Committee. The committee's continuing
role, is to assist and help guide the YJC Program.
Contact:
Monika Ryl – Youth Justice Committee Supervisor
Phone: 905-890-5222 ext. 245
Fax: 905-890-5230
Email: mryl@aysp.ca
Associated Youth Services of Peel
120 Matheson Blvd. E.,
Unit 201
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1X1
website: www.aysp.ca
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