For adults aged 18 and over at the time of the offence/incident
Diversion Programs
Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney
Primary Contact: Heidi Bontaine
Program Description:
The Direct Accountability Program is an alternative to formal prosecution for those who have been charged with criminal offences. The programs involves people being held accountable through community-based sanctions.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older who has been charged with an eligible offence may qualify. Referral are made at the discretion of the Crown Attorney.
Program Expectations:
To be considered for the program, the accused must be willing:
-to accept responsibility for their actions that led to the charge
-to make amends to the victim or community through the completion of the assigned sanction.
Upon successful completion of the sanction, the charge will be withdrawn.
Referrals are made internally by COJ staff as part of DAP agreement
Primary Contact: Heidi Bontaine
Program Description:
ADAP and ASAP are designed to provide education and information to encourage participants to consider their current situation and develop ideas, strategies and goals on how to change their thinking, feeling and behaviours related to substance use that got them in conflict with the law.
Program Expectations:
The program consists of two 3-hour sessions delivered in small-group format. Participants need to attend both sessions to complete the program.
Referrals are received from the Federal Crown Attorney
Primary Contact: Heidi Bontaine
Program Description:
The Adult Federal Diversion Program is an alternative to formal prosecution for those who have been charged with drug offences (CDSA). The intent of the service is to remove people from the formal court process through the provision of a variety of alternatives or options within the community.
There is a fee to participate in this program.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older who has been charged with a minor offence may qualify, at the discretion of the Crown Attorney.
Program Expectations
To be considered for the program, the accused must be willing to accept responsibility for their actions that led to the charge, complete all sanctions, and pay the program fee-for-service.
Upon successful completion of the sanction, the charge(s) will be withdrawn.
Referrals are received from Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police Service
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Adult Pre-Charge Diversion is an option available to police officers to address criminal behaviours without laying a formal charge. The programs involves people being held accountable through community-based sanctions.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older who has committed a chargeable offence may qualify, at the discretion of the investigating officer.
Program Expectations
To be considered for the program, the accused must be willing:
-to accept responsibility for their actions that led to the charge
-to meet with caseworker to make a formal agreement
Upon successful completion of the sanction, the pending charge(s) will not be formally laid.
There may be a fee for participating in this program. This can be discussed with your caseworker during the intake meeting.
Probation Programs
Referrals are received from Probation Officer
Primary Contact: Michelle Bannister
Program Description:
The CSO programs is a community-based sentencing option that permits the court to order offenders age 18 or older to complete volunteers hours in the community. After an assessment with the caseworker, clients are assigned to complete hours at a non-profit organization.
Program Expectations:
The court orders a specific number of hours to be completed.
CSO can be part of a probation order or a stand-alone order.
A volunteer placement is arranged with a community partner.
Offender can be charged with a breach of order if hours are not completed as ordered.
Restorative Practices and Community Programs
Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Based on Restorative Justice principles, VORP invites people impacted by a crime to come together in a safe manner to share their experiences, understand the harm that has been caused, and discuss meaningful ways to repair that harm and help people move forward.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older charged with a criminal offence who is deemed suitable by the Crown Attorney.
Program Expectations:
To participate in VORP, the accused must be ready:
-to demonstrate accountability for their actions
-to meet with the victim and mediators, and actively participate in the mediation process
-to make amends to the victim and community (if applicable) to help repair the harm that has been caused
In most cases, upon successful completion of the program, the charge(s) will be withdrawn.
Participation in this program is voluntary for all involved.
Referrals are received from Oxford OPP or Woodstock Police Service
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Adult Mediation is available to people who are experiencing conflict and are willing to meet with one another to discuss the situation with the assistance of trained mediators in a safe, supported manner.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older who is experiencing conflict and is willing to meet with the other party. The conflict does not have to be criminal in nature.
Program Expectations:
Conversation in Adult Mediation focuses on three main things: the participants’ stories; the impact of the conflict; and and finding an agreement that will help people move forward.
Participants should be willing to share their story and experiences and be willing to listen to the other person; mediation is not a process in which mediators make decisions or tell participants what they are to do.
Participation in this program is voluntary for all involved.
Adult Mediation Referral Form (Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police Service)
Self-referrals are received from the community for individuals age 18 or older.
Primary contact: Courtney Strickler
Program Description:
The 5-session course includes instruction in:
Recognizing the symptoms of excessive anger
Identifying and defusing personal triggers
Cognitive and behavioural choices
Alternative communication skills
Conflict resolution skill development
Relaxation and coping techniques
The first session includes an assessment of your anger management history and is free of charge.
What is involved:
Setting up a schedule for appointments (usually weekly or bi-weekly)
Cost of program TBD upon discussion.
Participant will receive a letter upon completion of the course.