The reopening of the economy means something altogether different for those working with youth charged with criminal offences.
“We’re still getting referrals from police,” said Rhonda Leduc, director of community justice programs for the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka. “We have been meeting the youth virtually over the phone, doing meetings with them — check-ins kind of.
“Our hope is next week or the week after to be able to meet with the youth face-to-face, but keeping that six-feet distance.”
Leduc oversees the Youth Justice Committee Program, which allows people aged 12 to 17 who have come into conflict with the law an alternative to the criminal court system for minor offences, such as theft and mischief under $5,000.
Instead of going through the court system, the youth and parents appear before a committee of volunteers from the community.
The police officer and Crown attorney are also encouraged to offer input.
“They go back over the event and what happened and what the youth was thinking at the time,” explained Leduc. “And in collaboration with everyone, they’ll come up with some sanctions for the youth to have to do.”
The sanctions can include them paying restitution to the victim.
Restorative justice circles are held if the victim also wants to be involved.
When done successfully, usually within a four-month time frame, police or the Crown attorney will be notified and the youth can avoid a criminal record.
Organizers get the referrals through the Simcoe County Crown law office and the 11 police services across Simcoe County.
It started as a pilot program in Barrie in 2000 and now operates through youth justice workers in Orillia/Midland, Collingwood, South Simcoe as well as Barrie along with a restorative justice worker, funded through the provincial government. There are similar programs running across Ontario.
It also relies upon a cadre of about 50 volunteers from across Simcoe County, some of whom have been involved since the program first got going 20 years ago.
Leduc estimates 250 to 300 youths go through the program every year. And based on those who go through the program, Leduc says there is an 85 to 95 per cent success rate, although there are no follow-ups with the youth once they do complete the program.
In addition to diverting cases from a costly court system, Leduc says there is an opportunity for victims to have a voice — something not always offered them in the court system.
“This way is a much more community-based healing program that everyone benefits from,” she said.
Elizabeth Fry advocates for those at risk and in conflict with the law through a variety of programs, which includes visits to area jails. There is also a 27-bed shelter including a halfway house for women sentenced to federal or provincial sentences and beds for women released on bail but having to home to go to.
