FAQ - Justice

Peter Willis Residence FAQ

Q- What services are available to the youth?

A -  Clients at the Peter Willis Residence receive services and programs that are geared to assisting them to achieve their case management plan goals.  Services and programs are available in the following areas: education, employment, recreation and leisure, substance abuse counselling and group programs that focus on problem solving, anger control, substance abuse,  healthy relationships, employment skills and violence, to name a few.

Q - How often can a parent visit their son?

A – The program encourages family members to visit their son as often as possible.  Visits are permitted any day of the week but are not to interfere with offered programs.  Family or friends are asked to call the residence to arrange a visiting time with staff. 

Q - Can the youth come and go as they please?

A – Due to the restrictions attached to clients who are in the program on either a custody or remand warrant, community access is restricted in various ways.  Clients are able to participate in community based programs under the direct supervision of staff.  Client’s who have had their risk levels assessed and who have the support of both program staff and their probation officer are eligible to have unescorted Reintegration Leaves with guardians, for a family pass, or on their own, to attend an appointment or activity.

Q -  How long will a youth be in the program?

A – Clients remain in the program until the completion of their custody sentence or until their charges have been dealt with in the courts.

Q – Are all youth in the program from Brantford?

A – No, clients who are in the program serving a custody sentence are from the South Western Ontario area.  Clients who are in the program on a detention warrant are from the Brant and Haldimand Norfolk area.

What is the Extrajudicial Measures Program?

The Extrajudicial Measures program (also known as the Pre-Charge Diversion Program) is a community based alternative to addressing minor incidents of crime. The Extrajudicial Measures Program is specific to young persons ages 12 to 17. The Extrajudicial Measures Program addresses offences such as: shoplifting, theft under, fraud under, mischief under, obstruct police etc. This program is available in the Brant County area.

The Extrajudicial Measures program is provided in partnership with St. Leonard's Community Services and the Brantford Police Services and Brant County Ontario Provincial Police.

How does the Extrajudicial Measures Program work?

If you are caught in the commission of an offence (such as shoplifting) and at the discretion of the attending Police Service, the Police will advise you of the opportunity to participate in the Extrajudicial Measures program. If you are a willing participant, the Police Officer will forward a referral for you to make contact with St. Leonard's Community Services.

What is expected of me in the Extrajudicial Measures program?

You will be expected to to the following

• Accept responsibility for your participation in the commission of the offence.
• Contact St. Leonard's Community Services within 72 hours to arrange entry into the program.
• Since you are between the ages of 12 to 17 a parent or guardian must accompany you to your initial appointment at St. Leonard's Community Services.
• Complete all the necessary sanctions as negotiated or directed by the program coordinator.
• Have no further contact with the Police while you are participating in the program.

What is a sanction?

Sanctions are tasks that you will be required to complete. These sanctions (or tasks) are designed to assist you in recognizing the wrong doing and make reparation back to the victim or community. A few examples of sanctions include:

• Anti-shoplifting group
• Charitable donation
• Journal exercise
• Restitution
• Written or verbal apology

What will happen if I don't complete the sanctions?

If you willingly fail to complete the sanctions as agreed your case will be returned to the referring Police Service to lay formal charges.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully completee all the sanctions as agreed, a report will be filed with the referring Police Service that you have met your obligations and they will close your file. No criminal charges will be laid.

What is the cost of the Program?

There is no fee for young persons ages 12 to 17 however, you may be required to make a financial contribution either to a victim or to a charitable organization.

What is the Pre-charge Diversion Program?

The Pre-charge program is a community based alternative to addressing minor incidents of crime.  Such incidents include but are not limited to: shoplifting, theft under, fraud under, mischief under, obstruct police etc.  This program is made available to adults in the Brant County area.

The Pre-charge program is provided in partnership with St. Leonard’s Community Services and the Brantford Police Services and Brant County Ontario Provincial Police.

How does the Pre-charge Program work?

If you are caught in the commission of an offence (such as shoplifting) and at the discretion of the attending Police Service, the Police will advise you of the opportunity to participate in the Pre-charge program.  If you are a willing participant, the Police Officer will forward a referral for you make contact with St. Leonard’s Community Services within 72 hours.  (Police will do a background check prior to making a referral)

What is expected of me in the Pre-charge program?

You will be expected to do the following:

• Accept responsibility for your participation in the commission of the offence.
• Contact St. Leonard’s Community Services within 72 hours to arrange entry into the program.
• Complete all the necessary sanctions as negotiated or directed by the program coordinator.
• Have no further contact with Police while you are participating in the program.

What is a sanction?

Sanctions are tasks that you will be required to complete.  These sanctions (or tasks) are designed to assist you in recognizing the wrong doing and make reparation back to the victim or the community.  A few examples of sanctions include:

• Anti-shoplifting group
• Charitable donation
• Journal exercise
• Restitution
• Written or verbal apology 

What will happen if I don’t complete the sanctions?

If you willingly fail to complete the sanctions as agreed your case will be returned to the referring Police Service to lay formal charges.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully complete all the sanctions as agreed a report will be filed with the referring Police Service that you have met your obligations and they will close your file.  No criminal charges will be laid.

What is the cost of the program?

There is a participation fee of $125.00.  If necessary, you may discuss a payment plan with the program coordinator during your initial appointment

For further information, please contact 519-756-1117

What is the Extrajudical Sanctions Program?

The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is a community based alternative to the formal Court process addressing minor incidents of crime. The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is specific to young persons ages 12 to 17. The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program addresses such offences as: shoplifting, theft under, fraud under, mischief under, obstruct police etc. This program is available in the Brant County area.

The Extrajudicial Sanctions program is provided in partnership with St. Leonard's Community Services, the Minsitry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

How does the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program work?

If you have been alleged in the commission of an offence (such as shoplifting) and charged by Police Services you will be given a Notice to Appear. You will attend Court on the date indicated on the Notice to Appear and the Crown Attorney may make a recommendation for you to participate in the Extrajudicial Sanctions program. Following you Court Appearance you will meet with the Youth coordinator and fill out the Extrajudicial Sanctions Application form which will be returned to the Crown's office for processing. You will then be required to make contact with St. Leonard's Community Services to schedulean interview appointment.

The Extrajudicial Sanctions program offers you the following opportunities:

• To have your charge(s) withdrawn, resulting in no criminal record.
• Allows you the opportunity to pay back to the victim and the community who have been affected by the offence.
• It encourages you to take responsibility for you actions.
• It encourages you to take a look at the postive skills you have.

What is expected of me in the Extrajudicial Sanctions program?

You will be expected to do the following:

• Accept responsibility for your participation in the commission of the offence.
• Contact St. Leonard's Community Services to arrange an interview appointment.
• Since you are between the ages of 12 to 17, a parent or guardian must accompany you to your initial appointment at St. Leonard's Community Services.
• Complete all the necessary sanctions as negotiated or directed by the program coordinator.
• Have no further contact with Police while you are participating in the program.
• Participate in the Youth Justice Committee forum where a victim has been affected by the alleged offence.

What is a sanction?

Sanctions are tasks that you wil be required to complete. These sanctions (or tasks) are designed to assist you in repairing the harm done and giving back to the victim or the community. A few examples of sanctions include:

• Anti-shoplifting group
• Charitable donation
• Journal exercise
• Restitution
• Written or verbal apology

What is a Youth Justice Committee?

The Youth Justice Committee is a group of community members who gather in a group setting with the young person alleged to have committed the offence and the victim. The group is designed to give the young person an opportunity to explain their actions directly to the victim and for the victim to explain to the young person the impact the offence had on them.

What will happen if I don't complete the sanctions?

If you willingly fail to complete the sanctions as agreed your case will be retunred to the Crown Attorney for further Court action. Your charge will then remain on your record for two years.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully complete all the sanctions as agreed a report will be returned to the Crown Attorney to have the charge withdrawn.

What is the cost of the program?

There is no fee for the persons ages 12 to 17 however, you may be required to make a financial contribution either to a victim or to a charitable organization.

For further information, please contact 519-756-1117

What is the Pre-charge Diversion Program?

The Pre-charge program is a communit based alternative to addressing minor incidents of crime. Such incidents in clude but are not limited to : shoplifting, theft under, fraud under, mischief under, obstruct police etc. This program is made available to youth ages 12 to 17 (also known as the Extrajudicial Measures program) and adults in the Brant County area.

The Pre-charge program is provided in partnership with St. Leonard's Community Services and the Brantford Police Services and Brant County Ontario Provincial Police.

How does the Pre-charge Program work?

If you are caught in the commission of an offence (such as shoplifting) and at the discretion of the attending Police Service, the Police will advise you of the opportunity to participate in the Pre-charge program. If you are a willing participant, the Police Officer will forward a referral for you to make contacdt with St. Leonard's Community Services within 72 hours. (Police will do a background check prior to making a referral)

What is expected of me in the Pre-charge program?

You will be expected to do the following:

• Accept responsibility for your participation in the commission of the offence.
• Contact St. Leonard's Community Services within 72 hours to arrange entry into the program.
• If you are a young person between the ages of 12 and 17 you will be required to attend St. Leonard's Community Services with a parent/guardian present.
• Complete all the necessary sanctions as negotiated or directed by the program coordinator.
• Have no further contact with Police while you are participating in the program.

What is a sanction?

Sanctions are tasks that you will be required to complete. These sanctions (or tasks) are designed to assist you in recognizing the wrong doing (committing an offence) and make reparation back to the victim or the community. A few examples of sanctions include:

• Anti-shoplifting group
• Written or verbal apology
• Restitution or Charitable donation
• Journal exercise, Crime prevention essay

What will happen if I don't complete the sanctions?

If you willingly fail to complete the sanctions as agreed your case will be returned to the referring Police Service to lay formal charges.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully complete the sanctions as agreed a report will be filed with the referring Police Service that you have met your obligations and they will close your file. No criminal charges will be laid.

Will I have a criminal record?

There will be nothing on your record if you successfully complete the program. Only the Police will have access to information that had been referred to a Pre-charge program.

What is the cost of the program?

There is a participation fee of $125.00. If necessary, you may discuss a payment plan with the program coordinator during your initial appointment.

There is no cost to youth ages 12 to 17.

For futher informatino , please contact 519-756-1117

What is the Youth Justice Committee?

The Youth Justice Committee program is a community based sanction referred by the Crown Attorney's office. The Youth Justice Committee program is specific to young persons ages 12 to 17. The Youth Justice Committee program is a structured meeting between trained community volunteers, the younger person and the victim. The Youth Justice Committee and involved parties addresses minor offences by discussing the events leading to the offence, the consequences of the offence and how to best repair the harm done. This program is available in the Brant County area.

The Youth Justice Committee is provided in partnership with St. Leonard's Community Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

How do I get referred to the Youth Justice Committee?

The Crown Attorney's office will screen your informatino provided to them by Police Services and decide whether your case is suitable for the Committee. If you are referred to the Youth Justice Committee, the Crown Attorney will direct you to meet with the Youth Justice Coordinator following your Court appearance. Once you have met with the Youth Justice Coordinator and have discussed the expectations of the program and you agree to participate, you will be directed to schedule an interview appointment to commence the program.

What if I refuse to participate in the program?

If you refuse to participate in the Youth Justice Committee program your case will be returned to the Crown Attorney for further Court action.

What happens when I complete the program?

When you participate in a Youth Justice Committee forum and complete all the sanctions as required, your case will be returned to the Crown to have the charge withdrawn.

What kind of sanctions will I have to do?

There are various sanctions that may be decided on for you to complete. some of them include:

• Verbal or written apology
• Restitution or Charitable Donation
• Personal or community service
• Essay, project, assignment and many more....

What are the benefits of the Youth Justice Committee Program?

The Youth Justice Committee provides an opportunity for:

• Community members to gather in a meaningful forum to address an incident that has caused harm in their community.
• Victims of hte offence have a voice in directly addressing the harm.
• The young person to be accountable for their actions in a meaningful way.
• The young person to increase their awareness of the impact of the offence to themselves, their family, the victim and the community.

Does the Youth Justice Committee really work?

St. Leonard's Community Services has been practicing the Restorative Justice approach since the year 2000. The Youth Justice Committee is a component of the Restorative Justice approach and has proven to be a successful intervention in dealing with minor, low risk offences bringing together the offender and victim to address the incident. the Youth Justice Committee approach is an effective and time efficient method of dealing with minor offences in a professional yet personal manner.

How do I become a Youth Justice Committee volunteer?

Community members must first complete an application as a Youth Justice Committee volunteer. Applications are screened for an interview and successful applicants will be required to complete a Police check. Successful candidates attend an extensive training period provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General. Following the training period, successful applicants will be forwarded to the Youth Justice Steering Committee for further approval and a formal "swearing in".

For further information, please contact 519-756-1117.

What is the Adult Diversion Program?

The Adult Diversion program is a community based alternative to the formal Court precess addressing minor incidents of crime. The Adult Diversion program is specific to adults only. The Adult Diversino program addresses such offences as: shoplifting, theft under, fraud under, mischief under, obstruct police etc. This program is available in the Brant County area.

The Adult Diversion program is provided in partnership with St. Leonard's Community Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

How does the Adult Diversion Program work?

If you have been alleged in the commission of an offence (such as shoplifting) and charged by Police Services you will be given a Notice to Appear. You will attend Court on the date indicated on the NOtice to Appear and the Crown Attorney may make a recommendation for you to participate in the Adult Diversion program. The Crown Attorney will then direct you to make contact with St. Leonard's Community Services within 72 hours and give you a tear off sheet with the contact number.

How will the Adult Diversion Program help me?

The Adult Diversion program offers you the following opportunities:

• To have your charge(s) withdrawn, resulting in no criminal record
• Allows you the opportunity to pay back to the victim and the community who have been affected by the offence.
• It encourages you to take responsibility for you actions.
• It encourages you to take a negative situation and make it a positive situation.

What is expected of me in the Adult Diversion program?

You will be expected to do the following:

• Accept responsibility for you participation in the commission of the offence.
• Contact St. Leonard's Community Services to arrange an interview appointment.
• Complete all the necessary sanctions as negotiated or directed by the program coordinator.
• Have no further contact with Police while you are participating in the program.

What is a sanction?

Sanctions are tasks that you will be required to complete. These sanctions (or tasks) are designed to assist you in repairing the harm done and giving back to the victim or the community. A few examples of sanctions include:

• Anti-shoplifting group
• Charitable donation
• Journal exercise
• Restitution
• Written or verbal apology

What will happen if I don't complete the sanctions?

If you willingly fail to complete the sanctions as agreed your case will be returned to the Crown Attorney for further Court action. Your charge will then remain on your record.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully complete all the sanctions as agreed a report will be returned to the Crown Attorney to have the charge withdrawn.

What is the cost of the program?

There is a $125.00 participation fee for all adults referred to the program. You may discuss payment options with the program coordinator at your interview.

For more information, please contact 519-756-1117.

What is the CSP/PSO Program?

The CSO\PSO program is a community based sentencing option ordered by the Ontario Court of Justice as a condition of Probation or a Conditional Sentence.

The CSO\PSO program is provided in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (youth ages 12 to 17) and the Ministry of Community and Correctinoal Services (adults) and administered through St. Leonard's Community Services.

How does theCSO/PSO Program work?

People who have a Community Serivce Order condition of Probation are obligated to complete a specific number of community servcie hours (up to a total of 240) as directed by a Judge. People directed to complete a Personal Service Order conditions of Probation are obligated to complete specific activities for the victim or community as directed by a Judge. Once your referral to the CSO/PSO program is received through the Probation Office a caseworker will assist you in setting up either the community service hours or the personal service activity.

Where is Community Service done?

St. Leonard's Community Services partners with over 120 non-profit, charitable organizations in the Brant County area. There are a variety of community service placements available, including maintenance, landscaping, recreational and clerical work. Some of the organizations utilized as placements include:

• Brantford Food Bank
• Brant County Health Unit, Kindergarten Packages, Pre/Post Natal programs
• Brantford Rotary Club-Brantford Classic Run and Lobsterfest
• John Noble Home
• Grace Anglican Church, Soup for Soul meal program etc...

How do I do Peronal Service?

Your Probabtion Officer and St. Leonard's Community Service caseworker will clearly define for you where and what type of personal service is required to be completed and within what time frame.

What will happen if I don't complete my community service or personal service order?

If you willingly fail to complete your CSO/PSO condition of Probation, your case file will be returned to your Probation Officer for further review and possibly result in further Court action.

What if I successfully complete the program?

If you successfully complete your CSO/PSO condition of Probation, your caseworker will notify your Probation Officer of your seccess and your file will be closed.

For more information, please contact 519-756-1117

What is the Bail Verification and Supervision Program?

The Bail Verification and Supervision Program is designed to support the existing justice system and the efficiency of the court system by ensuring that individuals otherwise entitled to release from detention are not detained due to a lack of financial resources or community connections.

Who qualifies for the Bail Verification and Supervision Program?

The Bail Verficiation and Supervision Program will support individuals aged 16 and over, unable to obtain surety and who are willing and motivated to participate, make positive changes in their lives and who are mentally capable of understanding the expectations of the Bail Program.

The Bail Verification and Supervision Program serves three major purposes:

1. To identify the availability of a surety.
2. To provide verified, neutral and factual information about an accused individual at judicial interim release proceedings (bail hearings), in order to assist the court in selecting suitable candidates for bail and bail supervision.
3. To provide supervision, counseling and referral services for individuals who are released from custody by the courts and where the condition of the release directs the individual to be supervised.

How will I benefit from the Bail Verification and Supervision Program?

When an individual has limited or no community contacts to assist them in their release from detention, the Bail Verification and Supervision Program is available to advocate for their release provided they meet the requirements of the program.

What happens after I'm released on the Bail Verification and Supervision Program?

Upon release you will be required to report to the St. Leonard's Community Services, Bail Verification and Supervision Program within 72 hours. Your Bail Counselor will set up regular reporting appointments on a weekly basis so that individual strengths and needs that contributed to the criminal behaviour can be addressed. Supportive interventions and porgramming will be implemented to decrease the individual's risk of returning to detention.

Examples of interventions include but are not limited to:

• Substance abuse education and/or treatment.
• Access to short/long term mental health support.
• Employment counseling.
• Education assistance.

When can I get help from the Bail Verification and Supervision Program?

As son as possible after arrest and prior to the individual's bail hearing, the Bail Counselor will verify information about the individual and assist the Court in considering the individual for bail and bail supervision.

What will happen if I don't abide by my Bail or Court ordered conditions?

Should the individual decide not to comply with their Bail or Court ordered conditions, the Bail Counselor is obligated to proceed with enforcement procedures which may result in the individual's return to detention. A failure to comply with such Bail or Court ordered conditions may have an impact on any future assistance from the Bail Verification and Supervision Program.

For futher information, please contact 519-756-1117