Bail Program

The Bail Program is open to males and females over the age of 16, who appear before the courts with outstanding allegations. The goal of the program is to provide an option to the court for those who are candidates for release but who do not have a suitable surety available. In these cases, JHS is able to provide neutral and verified information to the court which would assist in the decision for the release of an accused. Applicants to the program are interviewed and a verification process is completed which includes collecting information to confirm eligibility, based on primary grounds (i.e. ties to the community, history of non-compliance with court orders, ability to comprehend the expectations of bail program, and a willingness to abide by the condition(s) for reporting). In Peel, the verification process operates 365 days per year, weekend and statutory holiday (WASH) court includes services to those who would normally appear before the courts in Orangeville. In both Orangeville and Milton courts, staff are available Monday to Friday to conduct the verification process.
The Supervision component of the program is delivered at locations in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton and Orangeville and includes Case Management based on an assessment of risk and need. All service is provided on a one to one, confidential basis. Participation in Bail Program is mandated through a Recognizance of Bail, failure to comply with the Recognizance can result in a Breach of the Order. In support of case management and meeting reporting requirements, supervision is available Monday to Friday, and on specific evenings each week, at all locations. In the Region of Peel a partnership agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association provides a collaborative model of case management for those with a mental health diagnosis to develop a criminal diversion plan. In addition, designated staff are assigned to the mental health court twice each week to aid in facilitating plans of community release for those found eligible by the court.
Additional supports such as transportation assistance can be made available to ensure attendance at court. In Peel, Halton and Dufferin court offices, a small supply of clothing is kept to assist those who are released from the court after having been in an institution and released in clothing that may be inappropriate (e.g. prison issue jumpsuit, shorts and T-shirts in the winter, etc.). Clients reporting to the Brampton and Mississauga locations also have access to the Needle Exchange program while all locations make condoms available to clients. Bail Program participants are referred internally to other in-house programs and supports. Funding for this program is provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin: Milton Branch Office
193 Main Street East
Milton, ON
L9T 1N7