A prevention program that gives supporting assistance and community-based options for youths who are in the court system

The program is based at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse to assist lawyers in developing community-based options for young persons in the criminal justice system. Targets cases where young persons are at high risk of incarceration, but could be released with community support and structured intervention. Community outreach is an essential feature in the implementation of the program

Services:

Pre-Trial Release Planning - The Youth Court Support Liaison works with community agencies and agencies working within the courts to expand opportunities for pre-trial release. Release plans are developed to support the youth in the community prior to trial. The majority of release planning occurs at the initial bail hearing stage, but the Youth Court Support Liaison may get involved at any stage of the court process to assist

Sentence Planning - Youth at risk of custody are assessed by the Youth Court Support Liaison. Youth who are accepted into the program are provided with a case specific disposition plan which supports an alternative to custody to be submitted for consideration by the court on the date of sentencing

Diversion - The Youth Court Support Liaison is familiar with a wide range of community resources and agencies to assist Duty Counsel or Defence Counsel in exploring expanded opportunities for youth who might not ordinarily qualify for alternative measures programs