John Howard Society of Canada, NL
Cindy Murphy, Executive Director
Background
The John Howard Society of Canada (JHSC-NL) is a well-established voluntary, non-profit agency that provides intervention, residential, employment, and related programs and services to adults and youth involved in the criminal justice system. As the only organization of its kind in NL whose primary focus is to provide these services, it has over 100 employees and has served over 1400 residents in the province, annually. It is guided by a set of core values that respects the intrinsic worth and the rights of all people when involved in the criminal justice system.
For more information please visit the website: https://www.johnhowardnl.ca
Definition of Restorative Justice
JHSC-NL doesn’t use the term restorative justice in any of its literature or programming. However, their engagement with rj can be seen in their commitment to core values that align with rj values and practices which state “every person has intrinsic worth and the right to be treated with dignity, equity, fairness and compassion without discrimination…” and “Justice is best served through measures that resolve conflicts, repair harm, and restore peaceful relations in society."
Demographic Served
Youth and adults of all backgrounds, ages 13 and above.
Currently serving ~275 people, the majority of clients served are males.
JHS-NL in-person services are only available to people on the island. JHS does provide some virtual services to the Labrador Correctional Center while encouraging and supporting various other organizations in Labrador when requested.
Services
Services are wide-ranging and include individual counseling and programming as well as group programming facilitated by people with expertise in the areas clients require. Volunteers also support the work of JHSC-NL at residential centres, as prisoner visitors, and in governance work.
Programming support for people who are court-appointed or seeking services related to involvement with the criminal justice system
Outreach programs include support addressing needs associated with housing, addictions, domestic violence, employment, and advocacy
In-reach prison programs In-reach prison programs address substance abuse, domestic violence, and intensive case management support for inmates to support reintegration upon release
Community programs include support for families and communities engaging with those who have encountered and experienced criminal processes
Information provided
September 26, 2023