Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN)

http://www.ojen.ca/eng/welcome.cfm

The initiative engaged youth and community organizations in justice education activities to address perceptions youth have about the justice system, and help minimize the impact of youth in priority neighbourhoods becoming involved with the criminal justice system.

In each neighbourhood, the initiative partnered with various community organizations such as TCHC and the Jamaican Canadian Association, local schools, lawyers, judges, police officers and youth to hold justice education programs which included workshops, discussions, mock trials, and role playing.

Youth coordinators have built strong leadership skills through program planning and implementation. By soliciting youth perspectives and conveying them to the Department of Justice as well as presenting ideas on issues to adult audiences, these youth have also improved communication, presentation and critical thinking skills.

Over 100 youth participants actively engaged in discussions on the justice system. They have increased their knowledge of the system, expressed interest in potential justice sector careers, and built relationships with justice sector professionals and volunteers.