PROGRAMME GOALS

• Develop local community justice programmes to serve Aboriginal communities in Ontario and to be delivered through local Friendship Centres;
• Increase the number of Aboriginal communities offering culturally appropriate ways to help Aboriginal people deal with the criminal justice and child welfare systems;
• Increase the accountability of the Aboriginal accused, the community and the participation of victims and families in the process of justice;
• Increase Aboriginal involvement in the administration of justice;
• Develop structures and processes that promote self-determination of an Aboriginal justice system.

Aboriginal Community Justice Programmes divert Aboriginal persons from the mainstream criminal justice system to the Aboriginal community. Diverted persons are required to accept responsibility for the matters for which they are before the court. The person appears before a council of trained Aboriginal volunteers who endeavour to identify and address the root cause of the person's behaviour and circumstances.
A number of conditions are agreed upon, by consensus, at the conclusion of the council that address the person's unique circumstances. The conditions are culturally appropriate and meaningful and may include such tasks as treatment, therapy, participation in ceremonial/traditional activities, employment, education, parenting or any other activity deemed appropriate.

The Objectives of this programme are:

• To increase the degree of responsibility and control of justice issues affecting Aboriginal peoples;
• To enhance the quality of life of the client, family and community;
• To provide culturally appropriate and meaningful outcomes;
• To address the over-representation of Aboriginal peoples in the mainstream justice system; and
• To reduce recidivism.