Adult Diversion Program

This program addresses needs identified by JHS and the local office of the Federal Crown Attorney. It is provided on a fee-for-service basis which is paid by the client and based on a sliding scale. The program has been running for 12 years. It is open to individuals 18 years of age and older who have been criminally charged for the first time or who have been charged in the past with minor offences only. The main goals of the program are to reduce the number of individuals remanded to court, to reduce court costs for trial dates, and to give clients the opportunity to have their charges withdrawn. Initial intakes are completed at the St. Catharines courthouse or at the JHS office.

Case management services are offered through this program which runs for 35 hours per week. Participants are required to complete a certain number of community service work hours if this is the option chosen or if mandated by the courts. Other options include charitable donations or letters of apology and restitution. The Federal Crown Attorney’s office does the screening for each client prior to their first court date and prior to referring them to JHS. Though clients are referred by the courts, individuals may choose whether or not to participate in the program. Funding is provided only by the service fees collected from participants.

St. Catherines Courthouse
59 Church St.
St. Catharines, ON
L2R7N8