The Youth Justice Committee is a program initiated by the Ministry of the Attorney General. It provides an alternative to formal court proceedings when dealing with young people alleged to have committed certain offences. The Youth Justice Committees involve trained volunteers members within the community. They then meet with persons harmed if they choose to be a part of the process, accused young people and their parents and/or guardians to negotiate an appropriate way for the young person to make amends for their actions. Youth Justice Committees effectively provides opportunity for the person harmed and the community to take part in dealing with offences committed by young persons.

To become a member of the Youth Justice Committee, please call: (416) 755-9215 Ext. 244

Funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the restorative Justice Program is a precharge program that allows the police to address the actions of young persons without utilizing the formal youth justice system. This innovative police/community partnership is designed to hold the young person accountable to the person harmed in the offence. The program offers a constructive way to deal with non-violent, low risk young persons, who accept responsibility for their crimes. The program provides the opportunity for young persons to acknowledge what they have done and to work at making amends.

This court referred program, provides youth with community service hours, stop shoplifting workshops and other programs in which youth are sanctioned to complete. Youth are given a court date in which they are expected to complete their sanctions. Examples of extra judicial sanctions include: community work, personal service work, apology letters, an apology in person, essay/crime prevention projects, restitution, and/or participation in life skill programming such as Anger Management or Life Skills Programming.

The harm reduction program assists in educating sanctioned youth about reducing harmful effects of various behaviours, with a focus on substance use. It involves a range of non-judgmental approaches aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills, resources and support for youth and their families. Harm reduction is aimed at assisting youth in making informed decisions to be safer and healthier.

The purpose of the program is to provide youth with information on the consequences of shoplifting and impact this offence can have on the victim, youth, his/her family and the community. It encourages the youth to acknowledge and repair the harm caused. The program provides an alternative which corresponds with the seriousness of the offence.

The emotional awareness program was created to help youth develop an awareness of their anger and emotions associated with anger. It focuses on the effects anger has on the youth, parents, schools and the greater community. The program seeks to help youth understand their anger and provide them with the tools they need to deal with their anger in a positive way. The participants connect with their fellow peers in the program with group discussion, writing assignments, case studies and role-play.

Manifesting Amazing Dreams (MAD) is designed for youth who need additional support in looking for employment, goal setting, financial literacy, and mental health.

Youth will be able to have guidance in:

• Goal Setting 
• Employment 
• Mental Health and Communication

A program designed for youth to learn about Indigenous law and engage in activities that empower them to reach their full potentials. This program offers an Indigenous perspective while developing critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and relationship-building. This program is also a unique networking opportunity where youth have the opportunity to interact with legal professionals.