The John Howard Societies in Canada & Vancouver's Downtown Community Court

The John Howard Societies in Canada

The Canadian history of the John Howard Society began in 1867 with a group of church workers seeking to bring spiritual help to prisoners in the Toronto jail. In 1874 this small group became known as the "Prisoners Aid Association of Toronto." They soon came to recognize that more than spiritual aid was needed by prisoners, but interest dwindled during World War I (1914-1918). In 1929 a citizens' group led by Toronto's Chief of Police, General Draper, reactivated their cause as the "Citizens Service Association." Chief Draper understood that police work was undermined by the circumstances facing people upon release from prison. The Citizens Service Association - an organization of volunteers - set itself the task of providing practical help to ex-prisoners with housing, clothing and employment.

Vancouver's Downtown Community Court

Vancouver's Downtown Community Court is the first of its kind in Canada. This is in my opinion a fantastic idea. Which examines the reasons an offender finds themselves before a court and trys to offer them assistance in the areas that have led them to offend priort o imposing a custodial sentence.

• At its core, the community court is about partnership and problem solving. It's about creating new relationships, both within the justice system and with health and social services, community organizations, area residents, merchants, faith communities and schools.
• The community court is about testing new ways to reduce crime and improve public safety. It deals with offenders more quickly through a more co-ordinated and informed response.
• A high number of offenders in downtown Vancouver have health and social problems, including alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, homelessness and poverty. The court takes a problem-solving approach to address offenders' needs and circumstances and the underlying causes of their criminal behaviour.
• Vancouver's Downtown Community Court opened in summer 2008. It works with about 1,500 offenders each year. There are two courtrooms in the community court, which is located at 211 Gore Ave. 

Although crime rates are decreasing in B.C. and across the country, Vancouver still has the second highest rate of property crime of any Canadian city. This includes theft from auto, shoplifting, and mischief. Other crimes, such as assault and drug possession, are also a serious problem. These problems are concentrated in Vancouver's downtown, the catchment area for the community court.
At least 50 per cent of offenders in downtown Vancouver have a mental illness, a drug addiction, or both, and many are chronic offenders. These are complex problems.
The justice system and society at large are challenged to address the risks posed by offenders, while also supporting their health and social needs. This can lead to a belief that the system is too slow, that it does not address offenders' root problems, and that the cycle of crime continues unabated. It can also lead to a lack of public confidence in the justice system.
The community court addresses these concerns through a partnership of justice, social and health care services which provide a timely, co-ordinated and meaningful response for treatment and sentencing of offenders. The needs of victims of crime are also addressed with an onsite victim support worker available to provide information support and referrals to programs and services.