Program Goal:
The goal of the Combined Courtworker program is to assist Indigenous adults, and youth charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada, separating couples, and parents involved in child welfare matters to better understand their rights, options, and responsibilities when appearing before the courts.
Assist Indigenous people to understand their right to speak on their own behalf or to request legal counsel, to better understand the nature of the charges against them and the philosophy and function of the criminal justice system.
Provide Indigenous cultural sensitivity awareness education on the values, customs, languages, and socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people on the part of those involved in the administration of the criminal justice system.
Respond to the problems and special needs caused by communication barriers which exist between Indigenous people and those who are involved in the administration of the justice system.
Ensure Indigenous people in Ontario have access to the best available legal and justice related services prior to, during and following a court appearance.