How We Can Help
Relationship Skills for Violence Prevention (RSVP)
The CTYS RSVP program is an Extra-judicial Sanction (EJS) that focuses on working with youth (12-17) who have been charged with Domestic violence related offences, these include: offences against parent, sibling, dating partner and at times peers in schools. Youth are referred to this program by a court liaison officer as a diversion to formal court proceedings and at the discretion of the Crown and Duty counsels located in the 3 Youth courts in Toronto. The 16-week program involves individual counseling as well as group work. The counseling and the groups are tailored to the needs of the individuals involved. RSVP is designed primarily for young people who are generally considered low to medium risk, and who have a limited history with the criminal justice system; Interventions include: Individual counseling, psycho-educational group, family counseling, mental health referrals, advocacy, case coordination
Enhanced Extra-Judicial Sanction Program (EEJS)
The CTYS EEJS program supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of young people (12-17) who have allegedly committed an offence but whose case may be more appropriately dealt with using an alternative to the formal Youth Justice System. Youth are referred to the program by a court liaison officer after the case has been deemed appropriate for diversion by Crown and duty Counsel. The primary goal of the EEJS program is to work with the young person and his/her family, and our community partners to develop and deliver an appropriate and relevant case plan to promote successful rehabilitation and reintegration. Interventions include: individual and group counseling, case coordination, community outreach, advocacy, mental health referrals and assessments via New Outlook CSI program, family support and school liaison work.
Early Release Support Program (ERSP)
The CTYS ERSP is a four- to six-month structured community based program that supports youth (12-17) who are awaiting or have been released on a bail. ERSP workers offer support to youth as well as their parents in their community. Designed as part of the bail order, this structured four-six month program is aimed at preventing youth from re-offending upon release. ERSP clients typically have higher needs and thus require a range of services. ERSP workers work in collaboration with the court workers, youth and agencies to create doable service plans for the youth. Interventions include: cognitive-behavioural based individual counselling, family support, community outreach, school and employment liaison and advocacy.
Youth Justice Outreach Program (YJOP)
The CTYS YJOP provides services to youth who are bound by a youth probation order and in need of support. These clients often face a myriad of difficulties. YJOP focuses on helping youth learn positive behaviour and social and relationship skills to help them begin piecing their lives back together. YJOP staff work with probation officers to help develop a case management plan for the young person. CTYS workers interact with youth in the community and support them in a range of areas, including going back to school or finding a job. The support can last for the length of the probation or up to a year.
Transitions (a service of YJOP) - The CTYS Transitions service assists youth who are completing an open custody sentence. The goal of Transitions is to help youth make a successful adjustment back into the community. Young people enter the program prior to leaving open custody and are supported as they transition back into the community. Services include outreach, individual counselling, advocacy and service brokerage. The goal of this service is to help youth reconnect with their families, their communities and move their lives in a more positive direction.
Accessing Our Programs
Each program has its own intake worker. RSVP clients enter the program as a result of a court order. ERSP clients are sanctioned by the courts or directed by a probation officer. Probation officers generally make referrals to YJOP. In all cases, youth must consent and make a commitment to participate in the programs.
