Select A Region JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF BC ABOUT SERVICES RESOURCES GET INVOLVED BLOG CONTACT DONATE NOW Supporting reintegration and safety in communities Home > Services > Justice Services All members of society have a role to play in creating safe, healthy, and inclusive communities. In Canada, vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. Indigenous Peoples, homeless populations, people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities, and people suffering from mental illness are vastly overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Factors leading to criminal justice involvement are diverse and complex, and only by working together can we create a society where we all feel safe, included, and have the resources needed to thrive in our own lives. No matter what led people to their involvement in the criminal justice system, we know that nearly all incarcerated people will return to the community at some point in time. We also know that addressing the complex needs of individuals through effective reintegration programs and services is one of the primary factors in reducing recidivism. We are determined to foster and maintain public safety through programs and services that assist people impacted by or vulnerable to the criminal justice system to prevent crime and enhancing community inclusion. Our Justice Services Pre-Release Supports Our pre-release supports assist people in provincial and federal correctional facilities to prepare for the transition back to the community upon release. We assist people to access the resources, services, and information they need to achieve their goals and needs, and seek to reduce experiences of isolation or community disconnect that may be experienced during reintegration by establishing positive community connections before release. Pre-Release Supports programs are available in Nanaimo Region Okanagan & Kootenay Thompson Region Victoria Community-Based Residential Facilities Our Community-Based Residential Facilities (CRFs) provide a safe, structured, and supportive housing environment for people on conditional release from federal and provincial institutions. Operating under contract with the Correctional Services of Canada, our CRFs assist residents to access the services, resources, and pro-social supports needed for them to successfully reintegrate into the community. Residents of our facilities are supervised by Community Parole Officers, and our facilities have awake staff on site 24 hours a day to provide structure, monitoring, and support. Community-Based Residential Facilities programs are available in Nanaimo Region Okanagan & Kootenay Thompson Region Victoria Community Reintegration Our community reintegration services assist people returning to the community upon being released from a correctional facility or forensic hospital. These services are person-centred, and seek to meet the individual needs and goals of the person being served. This may include support with housing, employment, mental health and addiction, life-skills, and social inclusion. Working in collaboration with institution staff and other service providers, we provide the resources, tools and supports necessary for people to succeed in the community. Community Reintegration programs are available in Nanaimo Region Northern BC Okanagan & Kootenay Thompson Region Victoria Alternative Justice Interventions We deliver many programs and services which provide alternatives to the formal traditional justice system. Our alternative justice supports address the harm caused by crime and hold people accountable for their actions while providing education and opportunities for healing. While some supports include restorative practices, and others may be more education-based all seek to inform members of our community about the impact of crime on victims, offenders, and the wider community to prevent and address the harms caused by criminal behaviour. Alternative Justice Interventions programs are available in Nanaimo Region Northern BC Okanagan & Kootenay Victoria More programs & services Housing Education and Employment Justice Services Community Living BC Services Community Services How you can impact change DONATE, VOLUNTEER, OR APPLY FOR A MEANINGFUL CAREER TODAY Our volunteers play a vital role in the delivery of our programs and services Learn more about our volunteering opportunities. VOLUNTEER TODAY ‹ DONATIONS CAREERS › IMPORTANT LINKS HOUSING EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT JUSTICE SERVICES COMMUNITY LIVING BC SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES DONATE CAREERS VOLUNTEER REGIONAL SITES JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF BC NANAIMO REGION NORTHERN BC OKANAGAN & KOOTENAY THOMPSON REGION VICTORIA SEARCH OUR SITE SITE DESIGN & CONTENT COPYRIGHT 2021 JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF BC WEBSITE DESIGNED BY MY LOUD SPEAKER MARKETING.