Northern Toll: The impact of the drug toxicity crisis in Northern Ontario corrections examines how an increasingly lethal drug supply, strained services and disruptions in continuity of care can increase the risk of fatal drug poisoning for Northern Ontario’s correctional population. The report highlights how the transition back to the community is a particularly dangerous time. Without stable housing, timely access to treatment, or coordinated in-reach supports, the danger can quickly escalate. Drawing on discussions in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury, the report brings together local perspectives on the crisis and identifies opportunities for a health-focused response to reduce preventable deaths.

Uneven Scales examines the distinct experiences of Black and Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and exposes the unique challenges disproportionately impacting Black and Indigenous individuals due to their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. In consultations with over 50 participants, our new research demonstrates the urgent need for legal and social support that is accessible, culturally relevant, and one marked with understanding of the distinct experiences of Black and Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. This new research is complemented by new training modules and educational resources, co-developed with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the Black Legal Action Centre, on how to best support Black and Indigenous clients who are being impacted by the criminal justice system. These new resources can be found on our JHS Learning Hub.

Beyond the Surface: The Hidden Spectrum of FASD in the Justice System details the relationship between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the justice system in Ontario. The report demonstrates how individuals with FASD continue to be overrepresented in the criminal justice system, especially youth. Without diagnoses and FASD-informed resources, individuals may get caught in the revolving door of the justice system. The report ends with a discussion of how innovative pilot programs such as the All 4 One Youth Justice Program demonstrates the critical need for specialized, community-based supports for justice-involved youth with FASD and to bridge the gap between community organizations and justice professionals. The program’s success in reducing police interactions and equipping both youth and caregivers with practical tools highlights its effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges associated with FASD.

Legally Bound: Addressing the Civil Legal Needs of Justice-Involved Ontarians reveals how unaddressed housing, employment, and other civil legal issues negatively impact the lives of justice-involved Ontarians. The findings support the development of an innovative, first-of-its kind civil legal training and education program targeting frontline staff who serve justice-involved individuals in Ontario, to break down the barriers to accessing civil justice and stop the costly cycle of collateral justice consequences.