Giving Our Youth A Second Chance
This program offers another option, besides court, for youth alleged to have committed an offence and follows the guidelines set under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Download the EJS Policy Manual.
OUR OBJECTIVE
Attain greater harmony between the victim, young person, and the community.
Promote the prevention of crime by reducing the number of second time offenses.
WE BELIEVE
- A young person should be responsible for his/her own actions.
- A young person has the right to the least possible interference with their freedom.
- The interests and concerns of the victim and the young person should be addressed.
- The community has a right and responsibility to be involved in the justice system.
TO PARTICIPATE
- Young person must be at least 12 years of age,and under the age of 18 when the alleged offence occurred.
- Young person must admit involvement in and accept responsibility for the offence and voluntarily agree to participate in the program.
- Have no criminal record and no record of having completed the program in the previous two (2) years.
TYPES OF OFFENCES UNDERTAKEN BY EJS PROGRAM
- Property Offence
- Break, Enter & Theft (under $5000)
- Setting fire to a substance
- Harassment / Obscene phone calls
- Breaking of municipal by-law
- Small Vehicle Offence
- Minor possession of a controlled substance.
- Common Assault
- Fraud
- Minor Vandalism / Loitering /Obstruction
- Causing a disturbance / Uttering Threats
- Trespassing
- ATV / MSV Offence
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve heard about Alternative Measures. What is it?
Alternative Measures are now call Extrajudicial Sanctions. By assigning a non-biased volunteer to the case, this program is preferred over a court process. The young person (and parent/guardian) and/or the victim are invited to a meeting. With the volunteer’s assistance, all parties involved negotiate a solution to their conflict, ultimately agreeing what actions the young person must take (a contract) to make amends for his/her criminal behaviour. The young person must then sign the written contract and promise to meet the terms of the agreement and attend all assigned meetings with the volunteer.
Is it true nothing much can happen to me because I am not an adult?
NO. Even a young person must be held accountable for their crimes. If the young person decides not to participate in Alternative Measures, the file will be re-directed through the Criminal Justice System. This action may result in a criminal record and/or probation.
If I get in trouble, do I have the right to a lawyer?
YES. At anytime during the process a young person can request legal counsel.
Will my name be in the paper?
NO. All information obtained through the program will remain confidential.
Will I have to go to court?
NO, but you must complete the contract agreement.
What will I have to do? What’s a contract?
The contract is a written agreement decided by all parties involved and varies depending on the type of offense. For most young people, the contract will involve a written / verbal apology; community service; attend educational sessions; write a report; and where appropriate participate in Health Services.
What happens if I fail to meet my contract obligations?
If you fail to meet your contract obligations, the volunteer will notify the program chair and make a request to return your information to the RCMP. With our recommendation, the RCMP will return your file to the Crown Attorney at which time the young person will be redirected through the Criminal Justice System.