Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General

Mandate: To repair harm done by young person to person harmed. The Belleville and District Youth Justice Committee is an alternative to the court system, helps reduce waiting time and gives the community a chance to problem solve with respect to criminal activities.

What is the Belleville and District Youth Justice Committee?

  • A program funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Provides an alternative way to deal with young people alleged to have committed certain non-violent offences

Who Sits on the Committee?

Comprised of a group of community minded volunteers who have been carefully selected and trained to deal with young people who have come in conflict with the law.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Young people charged with an offence must meet certain criteria. The young person must:

  • be within the ages of 12 to 17 inclusive at the time of the offence
  • Reside in Belleville area
  • Have committed an offence in Belleville area
  • Be willing to take responsibility for the offence and want to make amends by completing directed measures.
  • Have a parent or other responsible adult who agrees to participate in the process.

What Offences are Eligible?

  • Theft under $5000.00
  • Possession under $5000.00
  • False pretenses
  • False statements
  • Minor assaults
  • Accommodation fraud
  • Fraud under $5000.00
  • Mischief under $5000.00
  • Cause disturbance

How Does it Work?

  • Precharge Referral Process - young person is referred to the Committee by area police services
  • Postcharge Referral Process - young person referred to Committee after a court appearance
  • Young person will be advised of the date, time, and location of the meeting and must be accompanied by parent / guardian
  • Victim of the offence will also be invited to attend and participate

Everyone present will have the opportunity to express his or her opinions and concerns regarding the offence(s). This will enable the young person to:

  • better understand their motivation in committing his or her offence
  • better understand the effect of the offence(s) on the victim

After hearing from all parties, the Belleville and District Youth Justice Committee will determine the measures to be performed by young person and the time limits involved in doing so.

What are the Possible Measures?

MANADATORY APOLOGY TO THE VICTIM

Additional measures may include:

  • Personal service work for the victim
  • Compensation to the victim
  • Essay that is appropriate to the offence
  • Donation to charity
  • Community service work
  • Educational session
  • Curfew

What Will Happen if the Measures are not Completed Satisfactorily?

Most young people will be eager to complete their measures as quickly as possible and to the best of their abilities. Occasionally, this will not be the case and the young person will be referred back to the court for prosecution.

Will the Young Person have a Record?

No. The charge will be stayed by the crown attorney. There will be no youth court or criminal record once the measures have been completed satisfactorily.

 

 

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