Services

Digital Access to Justice Court Support

The Digital Access to Justice Program initiated in December 2020 as a direct response to community need in Barrie, Ontario. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the courthouse was forced to close its doors and move to virtual service delivery. Many individuals did not have access to the technology to attend, resulting in bench warrants being issued.

With the shift to a digital platform, we recognized that there was not only a need for digital access, but also a deficit in digital literacy for many individuals. In addition to strengthening digital literacy and facilitating digital access, we also support individuals with:

• Accessing their disclosures
• Provide phone access
• support for individuals working to retain counsel
• assist clients in navigating the Legal Aid system
• Booking self-rep Crown Pre-Trials
• Bench warrants
• and any other appointments required by the courts (Direct Accountability Program, Mental Health Diversion)

For more information on our Court Support services, please contact:

Leah Gray  

705-817-9571 

lgray@jhssm.ca  

Community Reintegration Services

Community Service Order Program

The Community Service Order (CSO) Program is made possible by our partnerships with other organizations and agencies in the Simcoe & Muskoka region. Adult clients are court ordered to complete a certain number of community service hours, which may be completed in a variety of different ways. The CSO Case Manager helps to facilitate and oversee the completion of these hours.

CSO clients are low-risk, and often first-time offenders. CSO clients complete an intake assessment with the CSO Case Manager and options to complete hours are discussed. Clients are most successful when we can match with a placement that aligns with their personal interests. 

The success of this program depends in part on the placement’s ability to provide to client’s pro-social role modelling, a connection or re-connect with the client to their community, continued support, and the building of positive relationships. We have had clients continue at their placements once the hours have been completed, due to the fact that they have developed a rapport with the placement and continue to wish to give back to their community.

The John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka wishes to thank all of the community service order placement providers we work with. These dedicated and involved individuals provide opportunities for our clients to work with positive role models, acquire pro-social skills, and gain valuable work experience and skills. 

For more information on our Community Service Order program, please contact:

Michael Watts  

705-816-0265 

mwatts@jhssm.ca 

Institutional Services

Provides assistance for offenders being released from custody to successfully re-integrate into society.

Institutional services are provided to the following institutions in the Simcoe and Muskoka area:

• Beaver Creek Institution (Federal)
• Central North Correctional Centre (Provincial)

Volunteers with this program are trained, supervised, and monitored by John Howard Society staff. This program assists individuals with their search for viable and sustainable options post-release

Assistance focuses on the areas that have proven to be a pivotal in determining successful re-integration:

• Criminal History
• Education
• Employment
• Financial
• Identification
• Clothing
• Appropriate accommodation
• Alcohol and drug use
• John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka can help with addressing and assisting with immediate needs both pre- and post-release.

For more information on our institutional services, please contact:

Hannah Ditaranto  

705-828-5062 

hditaranto@jhssm.ca  

Non-Residential Attendance Centre

Our Attendance Centre programs are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. The Non-Residential Attendance Centre (NRAC) provides community programming to various youth clients in the Midland, Orillia, Collingwood, and Wasaga Beach area.

The NRAC provides community programming consistent with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The model facilitates the effective use of sentence options provided by the legislation; specifically, probation disposition and deferred custody and supervision.

The NRAC helps clients (generally 12 to 17 years of age) take accountability for their actions, address the risk factors that have led to their involvement with the criminal justice system, develop positive attitudes, behaviours and social skills, improve school performance, and create positive links to the community through recreation and employment skills.

The NRAC is for clients who:

• Have been sentenced to a term of probation by the youth court
• Have been ordered by the youth court to complete hours at the NRAC
• Are at a high risk of re-offending
  

For more information on the Non-Residential Attendance Centre, please contact:

Sydney Margarit  

705-816-0237 

smargarit@jhssm.ca  

or

Stephanie Forbes

705-794-0904

sforbes@jhssm.ca

or

Alana Short

705-828-2939

ashort@jhssm.ca

Record Suspensions

A record suspension, formally known as a pardon, allows clients to keep their previous criminal records separate and apart from all other criminal Record suspensions allow clients with previous criminal records to not be shown on new criminal record checks.

You are able to apply for a record suspension 5 years after you have completed all sentences for summary conviction offences, and 10 years after for indictable offences. (May vary if the offence date is before March 13th, 2012)

The 5-10 year waiting period begins after all sentences are complete, meaning all of the sentence, including parole/statutory release has been served, probation orders or conditional sentences have been completed, and all fines and/or restitution orders have been paid.

You may not be eligible for a record suspension if:

• You have been convicted of a Schedule 1 Offence (sexual offence involving a child) (with some exceptions)
• You have been convicted of more than 3 indictable offences, each with a prison sentence of 2 years or more

The record suspension process can take 6 months to a year to complete and the Parole Board of Canada charges an administration fee to process record suspension applications. Once received, the Parole Board can take 6-12 months to render a decision.

How we can help

The John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka is here to assist and support with every step of the application process. The Parole Board has specific requirements and steps that we are able to help clients work through. Some services include:

• Determining eligibility 
• Corresponding with personnel from the courts, the RCMP, police stations, and the Parole Board on behalf of the client
• Obtaining necessary paperwork from courthouses
• Assisting clients with all paperwork and forms
• Completing the application and mailing it to the Parole Board of Canada

There is an administrative fee of $250 associated for this service

For more information about record suspensions, please contact:

Sydney Margarit  

705-816-0237 

smargarit@jhssm.ca  

Choices

The Choices program is funded through a federal grant that assists at-risk youth, between the ages of 12-24, in the city of Barrie. This program offers support at every step of the way for youth and adapts programming to meet youth’s diverse lives. This programming has over 15 options, including addressing areas like addiction, peer pressure, bullying, and numerous other areas that cause youth to be vulnerable and more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system. 

We offer programming in exchange for volunteer hours. This assists youth in developing the necessary skills while achieving their graduation credentials. Youth often struggle with this graduation component and involvement with the judicial system can become a barrier to completing their hours. 

Choices offer monetary and hands-on assistance with applying to post-secondary schools for youth who cannot afford it. With the price and complexity of applications for post-secondary schools, youth are often deterred from applying. We assist youth in applying for OSAP, and more so, helping them to develop a graduation plan to achieve academic success. 

Providing youth access to alternative programs, tutoring, one-on-one support, and financial support for food insecurity and post-secondary planning, Choices will support and engage youth in positive community engagement for their future success. 

This program is accessible by self-referral or referral through community agencies. 

For more information about the Choices Program, please contact:

Stephanie Forbes

705-794-0904

sforbes@jhssm.ca

or

Alana Short

705-828-2939

ashort@jhssm.ca

Compass

Compass, a transformative program dedicated to supporting youth aged 10-19 with family members involved in the criminal justice system. Through meaningful connections and empowering programming, Compass aims to break the cycle of generational incarceration. 

Compass is dedicated to aiding adolescents grappling with the challenges of having a family member involved in the criminal justice system. Through a multifaceted approach, Compass provides invaluable support by facilitating connections via letters, in-person visitations, and phone calls, fostering essential bonds between youths and their incarcerated loved ones. Moreover, the program extends its reach by accompanying youths to court dates, offering them the opportunity to witness and understand legal proceedings firsthand. 

Beyond facilitation of communication, Compass recognizes the profound emotional toll such circumstances can exact on youth. Hence, it offers an array of tailored programs designed to address and alleviate the emotional distress experienced by youths navigating the complexities of having a family member ensnared within the criminal justice system. 

This program does not require a referral. If interested in the program please contact: 

Stephanie Forbes

705-794-0904

sforbes@jhssm.ca

or

Alana Short

705-828-2939

ashort@jhssm.ca

Finding Employment With A Criminal Record

The John Howard Society of Simcoe-Muskoka is proud to present a comprehensive program designed to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment due to a criminal record. Our five-hour program is dedicated to empowering participants with the skills and resources necessary to navigate the job market successfully. “Finding Employment with a Criminal Record” benefits from collaborating with various employment agencies, utilizing their expertise in job matching and support services. By partnering with these agencies the program gains access to tailored job search strategies, employer networks, and the local market insights, facilitating the placement of individuals with criminal records into meaningful opportunities. Below is a summary of what will be offered in this program:

Program Expectations:

1. Discussion on Overcoming Barriers: Participants will engage in discussions to identify and address barriers to employment, developing solutions and setting short and long-term goals.

2. Resume Workshop: Participants with submit or relevant employment information for resume creation or improvement.

3. Goal Setting: Individuals will develop realistic short and long-term goals aimed at improving their lives and advancing towards employment.

4. Follow-through: Participants will take proactive steps towards their goals, including research and scheduling appointments with relevant agencies.

5. Personality Test: Completion of a personality test to identify interests, strengths, and potential career paths, introducing participants to new employment opportunities.

Job-Seeking Tips and Insights:

• Insights from individuals with criminal records who have navigated successful careers, highlighting strategies such as honesty, emphasizing work ethic and upfront disclosure.

• The importance of honesty in job applications and interviews, with advice on framing past experiences in a positive light. Understanding Bondability:

• Explanation of bondability and fidelity bonds in the context of employment.

• Steps to becoming bondable, including the impact of criminal records and the importance of honesty in the process.

• Recommendations for seeking record suspensions to improve employability and remove barriers.

Overcoming Barriers to Employment:

• Identification of common barriers such as mental health, substance abuse, lack of education/experience, and strategies for overcoming them.

• Resources and support available for individuals facing housing, transportation or other challenges.

Interview Preparation and Resume Tips:

• Do’s & Don’ts of interviews, including preparation, professionalism, and communication tips.

• Guidance on addressing gaps in employment history and presenting oneself positively in interviews.

Goal Defining Worksheet:

• Tools for self-reflection and goal-setting, including identifying interests, skills, motivations, and long-term aspirations.

Through a combination of group discussions, practical workshops, and expert insights, our program aims to equip individuals with the confidence, skills, and resources necessary to pursue meaningful employment opportunities despite the challenges posed by a criminal record. We invite participants to engage actively in the program and take proactive steps towards a brighter future.

For more information about the Finding Employment with a Criminal Record program, please contact:

Michael Watts  

706-816-0265 

mwatts@jhssm.ca