Our program is privately funded and operated and therefore has no age restrictions or boundaries with regards to mandated areas of service. Although the business is focusing on youth aged 18 years and younger as its primary target area, the program will also service young adults older than 18 and their families, once assessed for suitability. There is a well known “gap in service“ for this group of young adults and JSS will recognize and resource this group if the need is apparent. Although these clients would not benefit from the options available under the Youth Criminal Justice Act they would still very much benefit from the process outlined. Also, clients do not have to be charged with a criminal offence to access the program. In fact it is highly recommended that parents access the program as a preventative tool of intervention prior to a youth having any difficulty with the law.
This service is offered in the following 3 stages:
STAGE ONE: ASSESSMENT
The first stage involves an initial assessment of the youth and family. Parents and siblings as well as the identified youth in crisis and significant others may be interviewed. A systemic approach is utilized with the youth being viewed holistically. As a result of this assessment a proposed treatment plan is offered to the family. Issues are identified for resolution such as family separation, partner abuse, divorce and separation, substance abuse, family conflict, etc. As well, a strategy is developed with the family to address any legal issues involving the youth if required. The treatment plan is accepted and the clinical counselling begins in the areas defined by the plan with specific time frames and goals established. A network of resources has already been established for a variety of services that may also be needed and the availability of a registered psychologist or psychiatrist will be arranged if deemed necessary for treatment or consultation. Further, it may be decided in consultation with the family that a female counsellor may be more appropriate for their daughter due to age or sensitive issues of gender and J.S.S. can provide qualified female counsellors available upon request.
STAGE TWO: COUNSELLING
The second stage involves participation of the family and youth in an estimated amount of counselling sessions aimed at resolution of the identified issues addressed in the proposed treatment plan. As well, the identified youth receives ongoing counselling sessions focusing on change in the areas identified by current research as being the cause of re-offending. This counselling focuses on individual and family dynamics and a reality-based therapy is used that is aimed at teaching responsibility for one’s actions and supports the youth in realistic goal setting. The counselling is motivational and empowers the client to focus on their strengths and make positive changes towards mature growth that is appropriate to their age level.
STAGE THREE: JUSTICE INTERVENTION STRATEGY
The third stage is an assessment of the progress made by the youth and the family and the coordination of reports that are made available (if required) to youth court authorities such as the crown’s office, youth court justice, or the youth’s legal counsel. A final summary report involving the youth’s progress in counselling and other specifically defined areas such as education and employment are addressed. Mutual consent forms for release of information are required at this time. If the youth meets the criteria, he or she may be referred to a Restorative Justice Program in order to access options available in the YCJA to avoid the stigma and legal complications of obtaining a criminal record. For those who have criminal records or get one, the client will be counselled and supported in committing to a positive lifestyle that could result in a Pardon from the Clemency and Criminal Records Division.
(*All information and documentation retained by Justice Support Services will be secured and held in the strictest of confidence and will not be released without written consent from the individuals or third parties involved. JSS strictly adheres to the regulations prescribed by the Freedom of Informations Act and Protection of Privacy Act; FIPPA).
variety of 
