For youth aged 12-17 at the time of the offence/incident
Diversion Programs
Referrals are received from Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police Service
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Extrajudicial Measures receives referrals from police services as an alternative to laying a formal charge against a youth aged 12-17 at the time of the incident. Referrals are typically for youth in conflict with the law for the first time and/or for less-serious offences. The program is voluntary.
Program Expectations:
The youth is required to accept responsibility and make amends for their actions. The youth will meet with a Caseworker to make a formal agreement of measures that they can complete to repair the harm caused.
Alternatively, the youth may be referred to a Youth Justice Committee to make the agreement.
Upon successful completion of the agreement, the investigating officer will be notified and the pending charge(s) will not be formally laid. If the agreement is not completed, the investigating officer will be notified and will decide how to proceed. The program is approximately 6 months in length.
Extrajudicial Measures Program Summary
Extrajudicial Measures Referral Form
Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Extrajudicial Sanctions receives referrals from the Crown Attorney as an alternative to continuing in the formal court processes. Referrals are typically for first time and/or for less-serious offences. The program is voluntary and is available to youth ages 12 – 17.
Program Expectations:
The youth is required to accept responsibility for their actions and make amends to persons harmed. The youth will meet with a Caseworker to make an agreement which includes measures that addresses the needs of those involved and the harm that has been caused. Alternatively, the youth may be referred to a Youth Justice Committee to make the agreement.
Upon successful completion of the agreement, the Crown Attorney will be notified and the pending charge(s) will be withdrawn. If the agreement is not completed, the Crown Attorney will be notified and will determine how to proceed.
Referrals are primarily made internally by COJ staff; Crown Attorney, Probation Officer, and police can also make a referral
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
A Youth Justice Committee 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. The program is voluntary and available to youth ages 12-17 alleged to have committed a chargeable offence.
Program Expectations:
To participate in the YJC program, the youth must:
take responsibility for their actions
be willing to participate in the program
make an agreement that includes making amends to those that have been impacted
Upon successful completion of the program, pending charge(s) will not be laid or charges will be withdrawn.
Probation Programs
Referrals are received from Probation Officer
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
The Attendance Centre is a community-based program for youth who are currently on Probation. The AC is a structured program that challenges the thoughts and perceptions that lead youth to negative behaviours and provides skills and education that address criminogenic risk factors and encourage positive changes.
Referrals are received from Probation Officer
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Integration Support is a program that provides support for youth based on their individual needs as they re-integrate into their community. Youth will be connected with a Youth Worker who will provide assistance through mentoring, role-modeling, and coaching.
Community Programs
Self-Referrals are received from the community for youth not yet involved in the justice system
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Sessions focus on education & awareness, and developing skills and strategies to encourage improved coping. Programming is available for Managing Emotions and Substance Misuse.
Eligible participants are youth age 12-17 who are at risk of becoming involved in the justice system.
Participation in programming is voluntary.
There is no set schedule for programming and acceptance is based on suitability and staff availability.