If you're fascinated with law and crime and want to help at-risk people and communities, the Community and Justice Services program is for you. 

Facilitated by the School of Community and Health Studies, Community and Justice Services courses will help you to gain the expert knowledge and practical skills to work in diverse settings that address youth and adult populations that are at risk, currently incarcerated involved with the criminal justice system, or involved in rehabilitation programs.

In this diploma program, emphasis will be placed on:

• Prevention, intervention and rehabilitative strategies
• Practical communication
• Treatment approaches
• Group dynamics
• Program development and facilitation
• Case management and security skills

This program will include more than 400 hours of placement in and around Greater Toronto Area jails, group homes, community centres, courthouses and schools.

Program Highlights

• Active participation in the Community and Justice Services program is essential as you'll learn counselling, case management, risk assessment, care and control, and crisis and suicide intervention skills.
• You'll develop a professional portfolio.
• The third and fourth semesters will include field placements two days a week, with the other three days spent in class.
• The Community and Justice Services program has forged connections to the field that will provide you with an exceptional field placement learning experience and employment opportunities.
• Hands-on experience, work with diverse client groups in a variety of settings, and exposure to the criminal justice and community services field will open doors to the employment market.

As a Community and Justice Services graduate, you'll demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.
• Employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
• Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.c
• Collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry standards and/or certification.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment.
• Engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
• Apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
• Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.
• Work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.
• Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
• Promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.
• Propose innovative solutions to address gaps in programs/services in the criminal justice sector through collaborations with community partners.
• Discuss how to engage in decolonizing actions within the professions of Community and Justice Services in the collective pursuit of reconciliation.