Adult Services programming is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who may face barriers to accessing services, require programming aligned with their self-improvement and awareness goals, or those who are participating due to mandated sanctions or court-ordered requirements. Click the link below to download a copy of our program offerings.

For further information on any of the programs listed below, please contact Sarita Leicher, Program Manager by calling or texting 437-431-0231 or by email at sleicher@jhsyork.ca

To make a referral or to self-refer to any of the programs below, please use the following link to complete our referral form. Please only select the program that MOST applies to you as selecting multiple programs can delay the intake process.

Adult Services Referral Form

Mandated Programs

Direct Accountability Program

The Direct Accountability Program offers two alternatives to formal charges and/or prosecution for individuals facing specific minor criminal offenses.

Pre-Charge Diversion consists of referrals from York Regional Police for individuals who voluntarily participate in the program as an alternative to formal charges. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to take accountability and make amends through community-based sanctions provided on a proportional manner. Participants also receive access to community resources and counseling supports, fostering a proactive approach to reducing crime.

For individuals seeking more information about the Adult Pre-Charge Diversion program, please send an email to: DAPinquiries@jhsyork.ca

Adult Pre Charge Diversion Infographic

If the York Regional Police has instructed you to contact our program, please use the form below:

Pre-charge Diversion referral form

Post-Charge Diversion: As an alternative to formal prosecution, this court-referred program offers an opportunity to take accountability through community-based sanctions to individuals who are charged with specific minor criminal offenses.

For Crown Attorneys who would like to send us a Direct Accountability Program referral, please send all pertaining documentation to: DAPreferrals@jhsyork.ca

You may also call 905-895-9943 extension 407. Please leave only ONE message and allow 2 business days for a response.

*Please note there is no live agent at this number. Clients are requested to leave one clear message with contact information (phone number and email) and the best times to reach them.

This program is funded by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Attorney General.

PAR Program

The Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program is a 12-session initiative under the Domestic Violence Court that provides a specialized, psychoeducational and community-based group intervention. The program offers participants the opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes toward intimate partner violence while learning non-abusive conflict resolution strategies.

This program is designed for individuals aged 18 and older with an active referral from the court or through Probation and Parole.

This program supplemented through a fee-for-service model. Fees are determined based on income and individual circumstances.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 200

*Please note this extension is a voicemail box only and there is no live agent. Please leave ONE clear and concise message with your contact information and the best time for our agents to call you back. Please allow 2 business days for the call back.

To send us a PAR Program referral, please email the referral to: parreferrals@jhsyork.ca

PAR Infographic

This program is funded by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Attorney General.

Other Programs

FAIR Chances (Family/Adult Intervention and Reunification)

Designed for families or individuals requiring system navigation support, mentoring and intervention, our services include counseling, case management, workshops, and community outreach by providing one or more of the following supports.

Workshops are open to all York Region residents with a focus on barriered individuals or newcomers looking to understand systemic processes such as landlord/tenant rights, employment expectations, roles of authority figures and more. Individual counselling is ideal for clients seeking guidance and peer support in difficult familial relationships, those returning home after a stigmatizing incident or for navigating difficult conversations.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 400 or email asinquiries@jhsyork.ca

Adult Services Referral Form

FAIR Chances Brochure July 2025

This program is funded by the Regional Municipality of York.

Mindset

Mindset, our anger management program, is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help individuals better understand and regulate their anger and emotional responses in a constructive and positive manner. Through this program, participants develop self-regulation and self-management skills, reducing the intensity, frequency, and duration of anger while breaking patterns of aggression.

This program is ideal for those 18 years of age and older.

This is a fee-for-service program, with fees based upon one’s income and individual circumstances.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 400 or email asinquiries@jhsyork.ca

Mindset Brochure

Mindset Intake Form

MAPS/MHAPS Program

The Mental Health and Addictions Peer Support (MHAPS) Program is staffed by Peer Support Workers—individuals with lived experience—who provide one-on-one support to help participants explore recovery goals and connect with essential community resources and services.

MHAPS offers assistance in accessing mental health and addiction services, housing supports, cultural resources, Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and more. Peer Support Workers can also provide support in attending probation, court, and counseling appointments, as well as developing harm reduction plans.

This program is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who are currently on probation and have mental health and/or substance use challenges or feel they would benefit from peer support. There is no cost for participating in this program.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 400 or email asinquiries@jhsyork.ca

MAPS Brochure

This program is funded by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Peer to Peer Mission

PeerMission is a harm reduction-focused, peer-led support group and outreach program designed for individuals actively using substances. With a commitment to elevating the voices and roles of People with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE), this initiative prioritizes marginalized and barriered individuals, including racialized communities, individuals who are transitioning from correctional institutions, those experiencing housing instability, participants in justice-diversion programs, and individuals at risk of justice system involvement.

Through a collaboration between the John Howard Society of York Region and the John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka , PeerMission delivers evidence-informed, person-centered interventions and education on substance use through 1:1 counselling/case management and workshops aiming to reduce harm and promote safer practices among participants.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 400 or email asinquiries@jhsyork.ca

This initiative is funded by a contribution from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.

Reintegration Program

The Reintegration Program supports adults who are involved with or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system, assisting them in successfully reintegrating into their home communities in York Region. Support is provided through case management, help with immediate basic needs, goal planning, advocacy and assistance with system navigation. Through this program, we can also help determine your eligibility for a record suspension, formerly known as a Pardon, and can assist you with the application process. The program follows the APIC Model and incorporates gender-responsive approaches to ensure tailored support for participants.

This program is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who currently reside in or plan to reside in York Region. This program is offered at no cost. However, a fee applies for Record Suspension application support.

For program inquiries or to register for the program, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 400 or email asinquiries@jhsyork.ca

This program is funded by United Way Greater Toronto, and the Newmarket Charitable Gaming Association.

Reintegration Program

Update on Record Suspension

The John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka (JHSSM) assists individuals in applying for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a Pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada. Questions regarding this program can be sent to asinquiries@jhsyork.ca or asreferrals@jhsyork.ca

RS Brochure