New program launched for young offenders

Young offenders in North Bay now have the chance to stay out of the court system.

The Youth Justice Committee will offer young offenders, who commit minor offences for their first or second time, the opportunity to work with a committee volunteer and their victim to determine a punishment.

“It’s not for the hardened criminal,” Detective Constable Rodney Cox of the North Bay Police Department said.

“But will still hold the young person accountable.”

The Youth Justice Committee will be beneficial to both the young offender and the victim of the crime. The victim will be able to gain a sense of closure by having a say in the consequence, and by putting a face to the offender.

The offender benefits because he or she can avoid getting a criminal record and is able to explain their actions to the person harmed.

Cox explained that the program would also benefit the community because it is quicker then the court system and will save money by leaving out the court process.

“It’s very simple,” he said.

“Two weeks down the road and it’s done.”

The program started Thursday morning with the swearing in of over 20 committee volunteers. Cox explained that the committee’s volunteers were all found within the community.

“They’re from all walks of life,” Cox said.

“From lawyers to doctors to people in high management.”

Although many agencies in the community are involved, Yes! Employment will run the program by receiving referrals for the committee.

Cox explained that the program organizers have been “jumping through hoops” since their approval in June of 2003 to get the committee started.

He said that with the swearing in of the volunteers, the committee could see it’s first referral within hours.