Home Counselling & Supports for Children & Youth Youth Justice Programs (Mandated) Youth Diversion Program
Youth Diversion Program
(Also known as the Extrajudicial Measures Program and the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program - Youth Services Unit)

The Diversion Program provides an alternative for youth to the court system when they have committed a criminal offense considered to be “less serious” and so are diverted from the court system to the community for rehabilitation.

When youth participate in this voluntary program, consequences are determined for each individual youth during an initial meeting with a Youth Services worker.  The options that are given, take into account the nature of the offence, the severity of the offence, input from the victim, and the youth’s own strengths and needs.

The diversion options encourage the acknowledgement and repair of harm done to victims and the community and must be meaningful to the young person given their needs and level of development.  Where appropriate, parents, extended family, community, and social or other agencies may be involved in the young person’s rehabilitation. Usually youth complete the Diversion Program within three months.

Is there a cost for this program?
There is no cost for this program.

How do I access this program?
The police or the courts may direct youth to the REACH Diversion program.  At the time of the direction, the youth will agree to meet with REACH to initiate participation in the program.

Haldimand-Norfolk REACH is a member of the Ontario Community Justice Association www.ocja.ca , an affiliation of agencies facilitating community justice options in the Province of Ontario.

More information on the Youth Criminal Justice Act can be found at:

www.laws.justice.gc.ca

Note: The Diversion program is utilized as both an Extrajudicial Measure and an Extrajudicial Sanction as defined by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Youth diverted pre-charge (via police) are considered to be Extrajudicial Measures (EJM) clients.  Youth diverted pre-court (via Crown or Court) are considered to be Extrajudicial Sanctions (EJS) clients.