Community Programs

Record Suspension Program

The Record Suspension Program offers individualized guidance to people in Ontario who are seeking a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act. A record suspension allows eligible individuals who have completed all sentencing requirements and maintained a crime-free period to have their criminal record suspended. This can significantly reduce obstacles related to employment, housing, education, and community involvement.

Program participants receive assistance from trained staff who help them understand and navigate the application process. Services include eligibility screening, plain-language explanations of requirements and timelines, and support with gathering and sending out necessary documents such as criminal record checks, court information, and fingerprinting. Staff also review applications to ensure they are complete and accurate, helping minimize processing delays or denials.

While federal application fees and related costs remain the responsibility of the applicant, the program provides support in identifying possible financial assistance and referrals to additional community resources, including employment and legal supports. By addressing practical and informational barriers, the program helps individuals move forward, rebuild stability, and participate more fully in their communities.

Link to eligibility quiz: https://jhso.outgrow.us/jhso-44

Family Support Program
(Funded by the United Way of Halton & Hamilton)
The Family Support Program is designed to provide support, information, early intervention and referral to other services for parents with youth ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing parenting challenges or parent/child conflicts. Service is strength based, family centered and offered in individual or group formats. The goal is to assist families to find positive solutions to conflicts and concerns by identifying and using family strengths, creating greater understanding between parents and youth and providing a skills building process for parents of youth.
Although the topics of the group sessions are participant directed some of the sessions available include: providing effective boundaries, communication strategies, problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution. The program is delivered on site and off site throughout Hamilton, Burlington and Area and is open to community referrals.