4.1.2

Description: 
Taking into account mental health and addictions, we will look at innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime such as integrated case management, wellness courts, domestic violence treatment options courts, and culturally appropriate correctional programs.
Lead Dept: 
DOJ
Priority: 
4.1
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Social Envelope
Number: 
2
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Social Envelope
Background Information: 

COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND SAFETY

Commitment 4.1.2 – Taking into account mental health and addictions, we will look at innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime such as integrated case management, wellness courts, domestic violence treatment options courts, and culturally appropriate correctional programs.

Integrated Case Management – The ICM Pilot Project aims to create, foster and deliver a coordinated, collaborative, multi-departmental and client-centered approach that removes barriers and service gaps for common clients with complex needs. The ICM Pilot has been accepting clients since October 2015.

Wellness Court – The Wellness Court is an alternative to conventional court that focuses on the offender rather than the offence. It applies a model that seeks to address underlying issues of drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness and cognitive challenges.

Domestic Violence Treatment Options Court – The DVTO Court was implemented on March 24, 2011. It is an option for low-risk offenders who take responsibility for their actions (plead guilty), and agree to attend an eight-module program. Offenders are carefully screened, and are required to attend the eight-module program as ordered by the Court. Successful completion of the program is a mitigating factor in sentencing. Support for victims is available, and may be coordinated through Victim Services. Victim safety is always a key consideration. The DVTO is offered in Yellowknife and Hay River, and is also available to offenders from Behchokǫ̀, K’atl’odeeche and Enterprise.

Corrections Culturally Appropriate Programming – The Department of Justice recognizes that in order to make a difference, programming in correctional facilities must be designed to address an offender’s needs including the root causes that lead an individual to criminal behaviour. Programming must also be delivered in a way that recognizes the importance of culture and the short time that most territorial inmates are incarcerated. The Department’s Corrections Service and its partners offer a range of Indigenous programs designed to help offenders reintegrate back into their communities.

With the support of other social envelope Departments, the Department of Justice is continuing to implement the ICM pilot project in Yellowknife, and is continuing to provide program support for the Wellness Court and DVTO. The Department is also exploring improvements in culturally appropriate correctional programming. Steps undertaken to prevent and reduce crime include begin sittings of the DVTO Court in Behchokǫ̀ (Milestone 1), completing an evaluation of the ICM pilot project (Milestone 2), and deliver new culturally appropriate drug and alcohol programming in correctional (Milestone 3).

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 4.4.1 - We will strengthen initiatives and partnerships to prevent and reduce family violence by: Examining the feasibility of expanding DVTO Court beyond Yellowknife and Hay River.

  • Commitment 4.4.1 - We will strengthen initiatives and partnerships to prevent and reduce family violence by: Providing training, public information and outreach on protections provided under the Protection Against Family Violence Act.

  • Commitment 4.4.1 - We will strengthen initiatives and partnerships to prevent and reduce family violence by: Continuing the support for a healing program for men who use violence in intimate relationships such as the Wek’eahkaa A New Day Healing Program.