Youth Justice Committee (YJC) Volunteer

 
 

What is the YJC?

Rebound facilitates all Youth Justice Diversion Programs throughout Northumberland County, including the Youth Justice Committee (YJC) program, since its inception in 2003.  The YJC Program operates based on a restorative justice conferencing model to bring community volunteers together with young persons in conflict with the law, their parent/ guardian(s), and victim(s) to negotiate a way to make amends in the form of agreed-upon sanctions for the harm caused by an offence.

YJC Volunteers working in groups of 2-3 facilitate Restorative Conferences, following extensive training, based on an established process, always with a staff present. During a YJC meeting, volunteers will:

  • Convey Restorative messaging

  • Serve as a guide and support, assisting both young persons and victims when present through the YJC process

  • Convenor– bringing parties together with empathetic outreach

  • Information gatherer– understanding the needs of the parties through active listening

  • Bridge/Mediator– assisting the parties to hear & understand each other, using re-framing, and neutrality

  • Atmosphere creator– maintaining an environment of calm, acceptance, & safety through defusing anger, modelling calm & empathy

  • Boundary setter– assisting in preventing harm, threatening, or destructive language/behaviour through enforcing limits

  • Guide- assisting parties in moving through the process using the meeting flow, with organization & time management

How does Restorative Justice work?

Restorative Justice provides an opportunity to address the impacts of harm caused while holding the person accountable meaningfully for the victim, the community and the offender.

Instead of defining crime as breaking the law, Restorative Justice defines crime as harm to people. Instead of responding to this breach with punishment, a Restorative Justice response is focused on making things right. People are the victims, not the state.

What can you expect from us?

Flexible Time Commitment:

Volunteers have the freedom to select the time slots that best suit their schedules and decide how often they participate. Meetings are available during both daytime and early evening hours, and volunteers simply share their availability with the YJC Coordinator.

Hybrid Meeting Model:

Participants can choose between in-person meetings, virtual meetings, or a combination of both. Virtual meetings are via Microsoft Teams. A private, confidential space is required for these sessions.

Staff Support:

The case Worker assigned to the youth is always present in the YJC meeting for support and continuity.

 

What do we need from you?

  • You are aged 18 years or over.

  • You can provide a clear Criminal Record Check (CPIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search.

  • You are willing to work from a collaborative, Restorative Justice approach.

  • You are willing to complete extensive screening & training

  • No specific prior Justice experience is required!

What does the screening & training process involve?

Steps to Become a YJC Volunteer:

Submit an Expression of Interest: Complete the volunteer application form

Volunteer Interview: Participate in an interview with the YJC Coordinator.

Police Background Check: Undergo a Police Background Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search.

Reference Check: Provide references for further screening.

Complete Mandatory Training: Accessibility training, French Language Service Awareness (bilingualism not required), and Ministry-approved YJC volunteer training.

Supplemental Training Sessions: Attend additional training sessions as needed.

Confidentiality: Swear an Oath of Confidentiality and sign the MCCSS Volunteer Agreement.

Once approved, volunteers will join YJC meetings alongside experienced volunteers to build their experience.