Youth Programs

For youth aged 12-17 at the time of the offence/incident.

Our Youth Programs provide targeted intervention and prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.
We focus on equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to make positive life choices and thrive in their communities.

Diversion Programs

Referrals Accepted From:
Oxford OPP & Woodstock Police Service

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Extrajudicial Measures (EJM) Program provides an alternative to formal charges for youth (ages 12-17) involved in minor or first-time offenses. Referred by police services, this voluntary program allows young individuals to take responsibility for their actions without going through the court system.

Program Expectations:

  • Youth must accept responsibility and commit to making amends.
  • They will meet with a Caseworker to create a formal agreement outlining steps to repair the harm caused.
  • In some cases, youth may be referred to a Youth Justice Committee to develop this agreement.
  • If successfully completed, the investigating officer is notified, and charges will not be laid.
  • If not completed, the officer will be informed and will determine the next steps.

Program Duration:
The program typically lasts up to six months.

For more details, please contact us.

Referrals Accepted From:
Crown Attorney

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Extrajudicial Sanctions (EJS) Program provides an alternative to formal court proceedings for youth (ages 12-17) involved in first-time or less serious offenses. This voluntary program allows participants to take responsibility for their actions while avoiding a criminal record.

Program Expectations:

  • Youth must accept responsibility and take steps to repair the harm caused.
  • They will meet with a Caseworker to develop an agreement outlining appropriate actions to address the impact of their offense.
  • In some cases, youth may be referred to a Youth Justice Committee to establish this agreement.
  • If successfully completed, the Crown Attorney will withdraw the pending charges.
  • If not completed, the Crown Attorney will determine the next steps.

Program Duration
The program length varies based on the agreement terms.

For more details, please contact us.

Referrals Accepted From:
COJ Staff (Primary), Crown Attorney, Probation Officer, and Police

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview
The Youth Justice Committee (YJC) Program provides a restorative approach to justice by bringing together those affected by a crime. This voluntary program offers youth (ages 12-17) the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact of their offense, and work toward meaningful solutions to repair harm.

Program Expectations:
To participate, youth must:

Accept responsibility for their actions
Be willing to engage in the program
Create an agreement that outlines how they will make amends

Upon successful completion, pending charges will not be laid or will be withdrawn.

For more details, please contact us.

Probation Programs

Referrals Accepted From:
Probation Officer

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Attendance Centre (AC) Program is a structured, community-based program for youth currently on probation. It challenges negative thought patterns and behaviors while providing education and skills to reduce criminogenic risk factors and promote positive life choices.

For more details, please contact us.

Referrals Accepted From:
Probation Officer

Primary Contact:
Rory Often

Program Overview:
The Integration Support Program offers tailored assistance to youth as they reintegrate into their community. Each participant is paired with a dedicated Youth Worker who provides support through mentoring, role modeling, and coaching, helping them navigate their transition and build positive connections.

For more details, please contact us.

Referrals Accepted From:
Oxford & Elgin Probation

Primary Contact:
Courtney Strickler

Location Program Offered:
Oxford and Elgin 

Program Overview:
Provide programs and services to address the issues and challenges of young persons with mental health and/or behavioural needs who are involved in the youth justice system.

Who is Eligible?

  • Young person’s between 12-17 at the time of the offence
  • Found Guilty and currently under supervision through probation, conditional supervision or Community supervision orders.

Program Expectations:

  • Services are community-based, time limited and support referral to other services where the young person’s needs go beyond the youth justice sentence.
  • Services are clinically focused, individualized, based on assessed needs and are evidence-based.

For more details, please contact us.

Community Programs

Referrals Accepted From:
Self-referrals from the community (for youth not yet involved in the justice system)

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Skill Development for Youth Program provides education, awareness, and practical strategies to help young individuals improve their coping skills. Sessions focus on managing emotions and substance misuse, offering youth the tools they need to make positive choices.

Who is Eligible?

Youth ages 12-17 who are at risk of becoming involved in the justice system

Program Details:

Participation is voluntary
No set schedule—acceptance is based on suitability and staff availability.

For more details, please contact us.