Our committee is made up of a collaborative group of volunteers with a passion for restorative justice. Our members come from diverse backgrounds including (law, social work, nonprofit work, police, student, travel agent, retiree, military, teaching, music, community-based work, youth counsellor, victim advocate) and offer a broad representation of the greater community. As a committee we align with the values and principals put forth in the Youth Criminal Justice Act which include: holding youth accountable, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration and preventing crime by addressing the root cause of the criminal behaviour. The youth criminal justice system is separate from the adult system and youth are presumed to be less morally blameworthy than adults. In other words, the law recognizes that youth must be held accountable, but in a way that takes into account their greater dependency and reduced level of maturity.
“I am excited to join this team. I believe in the mission that the committee is built on. A restorative approach to justice, prioritizing investment in one’s own journey to change, paired with a support system that truly believes in the individual, has the ability to really change a youths’ future path. The strengths and experiences of the members of this team has impacted so many youths lives to date and I look forward to helping continue that trajectory.
Jessica – Co Chairperson
“I am volunteering so that I can contribute positively to our community by supporting young people navigating conflict with the legal system in the hope that it will promote accountability and prevent their further involvement with the justice system.”
Wally – Coalition Representative
“I have worked at the Newfoundland & Labrador Youth Center as a Counsellor for 20 years and have 12 years working in Department of Social Services. I enjoy coaching junior high basketball, am active in most sports and love cooking.
Pat – Secretary
“I joined because I was really interested in what Youth Diversion Program was all about. There has been a lot of good changes made to the program, new members, new leaders, new friends and i wanted to be a part of the success.”
Jillian – Treasurer
“The committee is a place to focus on giving back. It allows you to be creative, help youth understand their wrong and help make it right. It allows you to connect with the victim and ensure they are part of the process. It gives you the opportunity to help in a way that your average volunteer position could not.”
Sheri – Social Work Liaison
“I am grateful for the honour of working alongside amazing volunteers, and being a part of a wonderful program that not only helps those directly involved, but gives back to the greater community”
Cst. Kyle – RNC Liason
“I believe in youth diversion and the objectives of this committee. I see this as a great opportunity to build the relationship between our community’s youth and the police.”
Jeremy – General Member
“In my 15 years in the Canadian criminal justice system, as both Crown Attorney and Defence Lawyer, some of my most rewarding and memorable experiences have been helping youth navigate the system. While I am no longer practicing, volunteering with the Committee allows me to continue to help youth through the facilitation of the EJS program; a program which I believe is very important in potentially minimizing the negative impacts of the system on both youth offenders and victims of crime.”
Jill – General Member
“As a social worker who has always worked non-profit, I know the importance of alternative approaches and community building for all folks, but especially youth. Happy to be a part of this initiative!”
Lori – General Member
“I believe in contributing to my community and enjoy volunteering. Using restorative justice as a framework to consider harm and conflict is something I am passionate about, and I am excited to contribute to the work of this committee. “
Annmarie – General Member
“Having completed a Masters degree in Criminology and spending my career working in the fields of youth corrections and child protection I feel I have something to offer and look forward to working collaboratively with other members to ensure the mandate of the Youth Justice Committee is met.”
Jackie – General Member
“I really love working with youth. Helping them find their strengths and engaging in meaningful activities with them is beyond rewarding. Being a member of the Youth Justice Committee provides me with that wonderful opportunity.”
Nicole – General Member
“I’m interested in volunteering because I have a passion for alternative despite resolution and believe that restorative justice is not just beneficial for those involved, but our community as a whole, since it focuses on supporting healing and repairing harms. I have an educational and volunteer background in law, mediation, restorative justice, and supporting individuals through the justice system and supporting those who have been harmed, and I believe that better use of restorative justice processes is one of the most meaningful steps we could take to create a stronger community. I also have a passion for supporting youth and hope that the work we do can have at least some positive impact on the young people this program supports.”
Diana – Volunteer
“The reason I volunteer is because I believe in giving back and in second chances.”
Sophie – Volunteer
Sophie is currently completing her first year of a Master’s program at Memorial University. She is enthusiastic about giving back to the community and looks forward to learning from her time volunteering with the committee!
Ashely – Volunteer