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Windsor-Essex County Youth
Justice Committee
Program Description
Windsor-Essex County Youth Justice Committee takes a restorative
approach initiated by the Ministry of the Attorney General
to provide an alternative to the court-based system dealing
with young people alleged to have committed non-violent or
low-risk offences. The victim, the offender, their families,
and representatives of the community are invited to address
the accountability of the offender, needs of the victims,
and community wellness.
Restorative justice emphasizes the importance of providing
opportunities for more active involvement in the process of
providing support and assistance to victims. While holding
offenders accountable to the people and communities they have
violated, we strive to restore the emotional and material
losses of victims (to the degree possible). As we provide
a range of opportunities for problem solving to victims, offenders,
families, and other support persons, offenders will be also
given opportunities for development and reintegration into
productive community life, thereby strengthening public safety
through community building.
We recognize the importance of diversity and gender equity,
therefore the Committee is comprised of members from diverse
cultural, professional, religious, economic and ethnic backgrounds
who wish to make our community a better and safer place. All
members of the Committee volunteer their time strictly without
remuneration.
Offender Eligibility
A young person between 12 and 18 alleged to have committed
low risk offences must accept responsibility and accountability
for their actions. A young person who does not agree with
or complete sanctions may be r eturned to the referral source
in the formal justice system.
Eligible Offences
- Theft under $5,000
- Possession under $5,000
- False pretenses under $5,000
- False statement under $5,000
- Property offences under $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000
- Accommodation fraud
- Food fraud
- Cause disturbance
- Minor assaults
- Other offences referred at Crown discretion
Victims
- Are empowered by expressing their emotions and perspectives
to the offenders
- Treated with respect and courtesy, compassion and respect
- Suffer least inconvenience possible as a result of their
involvement with the youth criminal justice system
- Encouraged to get involved in the community methods of
responding to youth crime
Recommended Sanctions
In addition:
- Research papers & essays
- Reprimand
- Personal Service to the victim (Loss, damage or injury)
- Compensation to the victim (Loss, damage or injury)
- Donation to charity
- Community service work
- Participation in workshops (such as stop shoplifting
or victim impact awareness)
- Poster
- Curfew
- Any other appropriate sanctions tailored to meet the
needs of the offenders and the victims
Protections
Before participating in the program a young person must
be advised of the right to be represented by counsel and be
given the opportunity to consult with counsel. Prior to a
young person’s first court appearance, the young person
or parent has access to free telephone duty counsel legal
advice at 1-800-265-0451.
Essex County Diversion Program Inc.
1168 Drouillard Road
Windsor, ON N8Y 2R1
Program Administrator: Joanna Sawicki
Youth Justice Committee Coordinator: Lindsay Jones
Tel: 519 253 3340
Fax: 519 253 6476
Email: alternativemeasure@on.aibn.com
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