ᐅᔭᓯᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ [Oyasiwewin] -Law and affairs

Our justice program aligns with the principles of the federal Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS), which supports Aboriginal community-based justice programs as alternatives to mainstream justice processes where appropriate.

The objectives of the AJS are:

• To contribute to a decrease in the rates of victimization, crime and incarceration among Aboriginal people in communities with AJS programs.
• To assist Aboriginal people in assuming greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities.
• To provide better and more timely information about community-based justice programs funded by the AJS.
• To reflect and include Aboriginal values within the justice system.

The Community Justice Fund is available for community-based justice programs that promote diversion, develop pre-sentencing options, prepare sentencing alternatives, such as circles, family and civil mediation, and additional community justice services, including victim support or offender re-integration services.

The Capacity Building Fund supports training and events that develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage community-based justice programs.

Victims Services

The Justice Coordinator provides information to victims of crime about the criminal justice system and referrals to other agencies and can work with victims at any stage in the criminal justice system.

Youth Justice Committee

The Youth Justice Committee provides an alternative to the formal court process for youth aged 12 to 17 who become involved with the criminal justice system. The committee helps youth accept responsibility for crimes, assists courts with sentencing, and engages in crime prevention activities.

Youth justice committees are part of an effort to establish restorative justice processes that encourage conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation between the victim, the offender and members of the community. Under Section 18 of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, the committees are allowed to assist in any programs or services for young offenders or any aspect of the administration of the Act. The committees are formally designated by the Solicitor General of Alberta.

In 2016, FLMS received $27,270.00 from the federal Department of Justice that enables members of the Youth Justice Committee to receive training in adult alternative measures and restorative justice facilitation, conflict resolution and dealing with difficult people.

You can find out more about getting involved with youth justice committees here and here.