Welcome to John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and District
Programs
Bail Verification and Supervision Program
“Stronger, Safer, Communities”
The Bail Verification and Supervision Program (“Bail Program”) serves men and women, ages 16 and up, accused of criminal offences who are not a threat to the community and otherwise qualify for bail, but do not have the finances or social ties to meet bail conditions. The program enables eligible individuals to be released from custody and provides for their supervision while they are in the community awaiting trial. In so doing, the program expedites the bail process and represents a cost-effective alternative to remands (into custody) by enabling the release of low-risk, accused individuals.
Bail Program's Principle:
The Bail Program serves two principles upon which our democratic Justice system is based: the presumption of innocence before conviction, and the fair equitable treatment of all people regardless of social and economic background. The Bail Program puts these principles into practice on behalf of people accused of a criminal offences.
Bail Program's three major functions are to:
- Identify the availability of a surety.
- Provide verified, neutral and factual information about an accused person at judicial interim release proceedings to assist the court in selecting suitable candidates for bail supervision.
- Provide supervision of people released from custody by the courts and, through regular contact and referrals to relevant programming and treatment, assist them in addressing the areas of concern which may have contributed to the alleged conduct.
Direct Accountability Program
This is a new program to the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and in partnership with the Ministry of Attorney General and Crown Attorney’s Office. This program offers an alternative to prosecution for eligible individuals over the age of 18 who have been charged with minor criminal offences. The program involves accused persons being held accountable through community-based sanctions.
Individuals referred to the Direct Accountability Programming Options have been assessed as being able to benefit from an opportunity to address the problematic thinking, feelings and behaviour that has lead to their involvement with the criminal justice system.
- The Stop Shop Theft Program
- The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program
- Anger Management Program
Community Service Order Program
The Community Service Order Program in Thunder Bay has been an effective alternative to incarceration in Thunder Bay for several decades by providing opportunity for individuals to volunteer in the community. This is even more important today since the passing of the Youth Criminal Justice Act in 2003 aims to divert youth away from custody. The C.S.O. program services youth referrals ages twelve to seventeen from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and adult referrals from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
The benefits of the program are many, both to society and to the individual.
To society, the low risk offenders provide thousands of volunteer service to the community and the program offers a proactive service, alleviating delays in the court system and saving untold tax dollars.
To individuals, the program allows them opportunity to become involved with others and develop their self-confidence and obtain a new awareness of their abilities and interests. Many individuals find their efforts personally satisfying as they become involved with others and develop a greater awareness of themselves and their community.
Cost Benefit Ratio is as follows: there is likely a ten to one return on investment when comparing Community Service work versus incarceration and other more punitive actions. Placements range from those providing help for the needy on a year round basis to those who promote a major city event at a certain time each year.
Remote Aboriginal Intervention Program
This program, funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, works in partnership with First Nations communities to assist aboriginal youth in conflict with the law and their families.
The objectives are:
- We work closely with our community/coalition groups to educate individuals about the social justice issues affecting our clients.
- We provide information and workshops about the criminal justice system and it's impact on society.
- We help individuals to address barriers inside and outside of federal and provincial correctional facilities.
- We participate in research initiatives to enhance societal understanding about the needs of our clients.
We currently support the communities of Weagamow, Webeque, and Lansdowne House. Each community has a part time Remote Intervention Support Worker who support the youth in the their community. The three community workers are:
- Fort Hope - John Ray Mequanawap
- Webequie - Raymond Craig Jacob
- Weagamow Lake - Sandra Quequish
School Based Diversion
The John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and District began implementing the School Based Diversion Pilot Program at the end of our fiscal year in March 2008. The program provides community-based pre-charge options for young persons aged 12-17 years old and who can be adequately dealt with by police warning, caution, or referral to a community program. The program provides community based options to hold a young person involved in a school related conflict accountable for their behaviour, without a requirement for police involvement. The school makes a formal EJM (Extra Judicial Measures) referral to the Diversion Program.
The program encourages young individuals to make reparation for their offence through peer mediation, support services, linkage with services such as mental health, addiction counselling, recreational programming or promotion of proactive alternatives to broaden problem solving/conflict resolution skills.
The program operates in the community of Geraldton where our Program Coordinator works in partnership with the Geraldton Composite High School. The program provides individual assistance to those referred and Peer Mediation training to interested students.
