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The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Partners Present a Discussion of Mental Health in the Justice System, in Recognition of International Prisoners’ Justice Day

When: August 10th, 11 am to 4:45 pm
Where: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto, Ontario

Toronto – In recognition of International Prisoners’ Justice Day, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) and the John Howard Society of Toronto will host several leading legal activists for a day of discussion about mental health in the Canadian justice system.

International Prisoners’ Justice Day is an annual opportunity to consider how we treat people behind bars, and to remember the goals of incarceration. It is also a chance for us to ask many questions about our prison system as a whole, including how well it deals with mental illness.

“When placed ‘behind bars’ a person is immediately placed into a situation of powerlessness and dependency, and therefore exposed to possible cruel treatment. While the deprivation of liberty may be legal, the deprivation of human dignity is not,” said Sukanya Pillay, Executive Director and General Counsel of CCLA.

Speakers will include Sukanya Pillay; Allison Thornton, CCLA’s legal representative at the Ashley Smith inquest; Ryan Fritsch, human rights and health lawyer leading development of LAO’s Mental Health Strategy; Insiya Essajee, legal counsel for the Ontario Human Rights Commission in the Christina Jahn Human Rights Tribunal complaint against the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services; Kerri Joffe, staff lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre; Jacqueline Tasca, Policy Analyst for John Howard Society of Ontario’s Centre of Research, Policy and Program Development; and Mercedes Perez, a lawyer at Swadron and Associates specializing in mental health advocacy.

The day’s proceedings will also include a screening of NCR: Not Criminally Responsible, a documentary on crimes relating to mental illness, and the balance between public safety, victim rights, and the rights of people with mental illnesses who have committed serious crimes. The screening will be followed by a Q & A with Fritsch and Perez.

This event is free, and open to the public. For more information contact Peter Goffin, Communications Fellow, media@ccla.org, 416 363 0321 ext. 225.

Prisoners Justice Day poster

Legal Aid Ontario to fund 15 clinic projects

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is committing $9 million over the next three years to help community and legal aid clinics improve access to justice and outcomes for low-income Ontarians. LAO will fund 15 clinic projects in this first funding instalment.

This comes as a result of $30 million in additional funding announced by the Ontario government in May 2013. LAO is investing $3 million for 2013/14 in two new funds for legal clinics, student legal aid clinics and other community agencies. The projects funded focus on delivering integrated services through existing community access points and clinic modernization. This new funding is in addition to the more than $70 million in annual funding LAO provides to 76 legal aid clinics throughout Ontario.

 

Quote

“We are pleased to fund these projects, which will make an important difference in clients’ ability to access justice. We were impressed with the thinking that went into the proposals we received — so much so, that LAO will support some of the projects that didn’t meet the funding criteria through other LAO funds.”
– John McCamus, LAO Board Chair

 

Quick facts

  • LAO received 78 project applications over four months.
  • The project budgets range from $55,000 to $400,000.
  • Legal Aid Ontario funds 76 independent community and legal clinics.
  • 17 of these are specialty clinics, focussing on a specific demographic or issue.

 

Learn more

Voices for Change

by Colleen Sym

Reflection

 

“I am not alone.”

This is what participants told us they learned in a series of Town Hall meetings held across Halton Region in the winter of 2011.

One participant in particular, Cathy, found the experience of solidarity compelling. She joined with other participants to form Voices for Change Halton (Voices), a peer-led, anti-poverty and advocacy group sponsored by Halton Community Legal Services (HCLS).

Cathy’s story

This is how Cathy describes the peer-led process:

I have struggled with addiction, on and off, for the last 40 years. I have been in recovery for 5 years. My recovery has been supported by many organizations and people. Voices for Change Halton has been an important piece of my recovery.  Voices for Change provided a network of support.  Members mentor and support each other in a variety of ways.

When we first started the group, we all shared experiences and issues we had dealt with in the system and the barriers we came across.  These stories when shared with others create not only learning but deep friendships.  These stories helped us to bond with each other and become a mentoring unit.

All Voices for Change members have had to navigate systems in order to survive. This is a skill that we are able to share with each other so that we improve each other’s lives.

When I started at Voices for Change I was on Ontario Works. Other group members shared information such as how to receive items for special needs. I had health issues that weren’t being supported and I had been denied certain services that other group members were able to obtain. By members sharing how they obtained these services I was able to get new orthotics, a new mattress, dental work and a sleep apnea machine.

A member also shared with me that I was eligible for Employment Start Up. I had asked about this program before but was denied. The Voices for Change member shared that I was indeed eligible and encouraged me to apply again. I did and I was successful.  

Not only have I been mentored but I have mentored others to help support them moving forward and having a better life.  

Lived experience

HCLS’s sponsorship of Voices has been about many things, but the key principle guiding the collaboration is “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

We borrowed this phrase from the mental health sector, where the value of consumer/survivor-led initiatives is well documented. People who have lived through these experiences can draw on them to impact policy and social change.

In Halton, it is now recognized that people who have lived in poverty have a vital role in:

  • continuing to raise awareness and understanding of poverty and poverty reduction efforts in Halton Region;
  • monitoring and taking action intended to hold politicians and community leaders accountable, ensuring that promises are kept and new poverty reduction initiatives achieve the intended results; and
  • helping to develop and pilot policy options.

An example of this is found in the work that Voices has done with health department at Halton Region. Voices provided essential information relating to the lived-experience of poverty and mental health needs to inform Health Department work with priority populations.

Peer-based assistance

The HCLS partnership with Voices is proving to be a powerful way of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of our clinic law services. Again, borrowing from best practices in the mental health sector, HCLS started to formalize peer-based assistance services through Voices contributors.

The Halton Legal Health Check-Up (available in English only), another peer-based prevention tool, will similarly improve access to justice in Halton by proactively identifying legal needs and advocacy options.

Our research and experience shows that peers can be a highly effective way of providing legal information. When this is combined with establishing and maintaining peer support networks, legal education can be a powerful participatory strategy that enables people to help themselves and assist others.

Peer support networks can be aimed at the ongoing dissemination of general legal information, provide preventive education, share knowledge, and teach practical self-advocacy skills.

For participants like Cathy, a peer network provides a support system that shows her that she is not alone.

Colleen Sym is the Executive Director of Halton Community Legal Services. 

Legal Aid Ontario supports development of mental health disabilities and addictions intake tool

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario and the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (P-HSJCC) to create a standard set of intake questions to identify at-risk and high-needs clients and ensure they get the legal supports they need.

LAO’s frontline workers, lawyers and clinic staff will be able to use this evidence-based, quick interview questionnaire to help identify clients with complex mental health or addictions needs at any point of contact and as early in the legal proceeding as possible.

“While intake tools are common in the health care and social support sectors, there are few rights-based options that can be used by frontline legal staff in a criminal duty counsel setting,” said Ryan Fritsch, who is leading LAO’s Mental Health Strategy. “This tool is a platform for innovation that will support the development of additional case coordination and facilitate coordination of services at any point of contact with the legal aid system.”

The questionnaire is only intended to take five to ten minutes to complete so it is not meant to be a clinical mental health diagnostic tool or a comprehensive survey of all legal needs.

“The majority of people with mental health and addictions issues never come into contact with the criminal justice system but for those who do, it is important to identify the level of their unique service needs,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario. “What the questionnaire will do is help the legal service provider better understand the complexity of the needs of the client and then make appropriate referrals to mental health, addictions and social services providers in the community.”

The intake tool will be piloted beginning Fall 2014 in a criminal duty counsel office. Implementation of the tool at additional legal and community sites will follow. More information will be available as the project progresses.

This partnership is one of a number of projects that LAO will be undertaking as part of the development of its Mental Health Strategy. This strategy aims to strengthen the capacity of lawyers, frontline workers and management to better serve clients with mental health and addiction needs. It is a multi-faceted, multi-year strategy that will improve access, increase capacity, and build on LAO’s current client services.

Related

 

For more information on this program:

Ryan Fritsch
Policy counsel
Phone: 416-979-2352 ext. 6371
Email: fritschr@lao.on.ca

 

For other questions or communication requests:
Josephine Li
Communications advisor
Phone: 416-979-2352 ext. 6015
Email: lijos@lao.on.ca

Joe Kim
Director, Communications
CMHA, Ontario
Tel: 416-977-5580 ext. 4141 Toll Free: 1-800-875-6213
Email: jkim@ontario.cmha.ca

 

 

Southwest legal clinics’ training conference showcases innovation

In early June, the southwest legal clinics’ held a training conference with the theme of “Igniting the Service Revolution.”

Held at University of Western’s London Hall on June 11-13, 2014, the conference demonstrated the types of possibilities available when strong regional leaders embrace the opportunity for investing in their communities.

For more information from the conference:

“Grab your passport and take a whirlwind trip around the southwest! You will be amazed by the exciting service innovations sister clinics are implementing in our region. Engage with your colleagues and learn about service improvements that are relevant and achievable.”

SW Passport 1

SW Passport 2 SW Passport 3 SW Passport 5 SW Passport 4 SW Passport 7 SW Passport 6 SW Passport 9 SW Passport 8 SW Passport 10 SW Passport 11 SW Passport 13 SW Passport 12 SW Passport 14 SW Passport 16 SW Passport 15 SW Passport 18 SW Passport 17 SW Passport 19

Maximizing Open Source Tech for Greater Outreach & PLE (available in English only)

Indigenous legal aid worker helps First Nation community navigate legal system

Throughout her career, Indigenous Legal Aid Worker Sondra Gilbert has seen firsthand the barriers that Indigenous people encounter as they move through the court process.

Prior to joining Legal Aid Ontario’s Essex, Lambton, Kent District office, Sondra worked in Native child welfare.

“Frequently, I was approached by people who needed assistance with Family Law or Children’s Law Reform Act matters and there was little I could do,” she explains. “Now, as an Indigenous legal aid worker, I am able to provide that concrete, hands-on support to people completing forms and helping them to manoeuvre through the system.”

In her role, she assists Indigenous lawyers who provide advice clinics for both family and criminal matters to Indigenous people from the three First Nations in Lambton County. She’s also involved in the Walpole Island satellite court, which is held once a month inside local band council chambers for court proceedings for less serious offences.

One component of her job involves sharing information with the community so that people can make informed decisions about what services will be the best fit for them. This includes the development of a resource directory and the distribution of information flyers to let people know about advice clinic schedules and contact information.

“The entire family court process can be very intimidating,” she acknowledges. “The people I am working with are unrepresented, so I help with introducing them to our duty counsel and then guide them back to the advice clinics if they need further documents prepared.”

She recalls an instance at the courthouse where she met a man who was served with an emergency motion for the next day and was at a complete loss as to what he should do. He was separated from his spouse and children and there was a domestic violence situation that led to charges against him.

Frightened at the prospect of losing all contact with his children, the man turned to Sondra, whom he had previously met at an advice clinic. In short order, she was able to determine what he would need and who he should speak to.

With a certificate, he was able to arrange for a lawyer to attend the emergency motion the next day and the client was able to work out a temporary access schedule to see his children.

“I really enjoy working with people and helping them get through the barriers of the court process,” Sondra says of her job. “Sometimes, this is in small ways, like providing them with information, a contact number or a date. Sometimes, it’s in larger ways, such as telling their stories on family court documents.”

If you live in the Lambton county and have questions about legal aid services, please call 1-877-449-4002 or visit legalaid.on.ca.

Une auxiliaire de l’aide juridique indigène aide les membres d’une communauté des Premières Nations à naviguer dans le système juridique

Tout au long de sa carrière, Sondra Gilbert, auxiliaire de l’aide juridique indigène, a pu observer directement que les personnes indigènes étaient confrontées à de nombreux obstacles lorsqu’elles avancent dans le processus judiciaire.

Avant de se joindre au personnel du Bureau du district de Kent, Lambton et Essex d’Aide juridique Ontario, Sondra à travaillé pour la Société d’aide à l’enfance autochtone.

« J’ai souvent été approchée par des gens qui avaient besoin d’assistance à la Cour de la famille et je ne pouvais pas faire grand-chose, a-t-elle déclaré. Maintenant, en tant qu’auxiliaire de l’aide juridique indigène, je suis en mesure de fournir un appui concret et pratique aux personnes qui remplissent des formulaires et les aider à manœuvrer dans le système. »

Dans son rôle, elle assiste les avocats indigènes qui offrent des ateliers de conseils sur des affaires en droit de la famille aussi bien qu’en droit criminel aux personnes indigènes des trois Premières Nations du comté de Lambton. Elle travaille également au tribunal satellite de Walpole Island qui siège une fois par mois dans les bureaux du conseil de bande locale dans des instances portant sur les infractions les moins graves.

Une des fonctions de Sondra est d’informer les membres de la communauté pour qu’ils puissent prendre des décisions éclairées quant aux services qui leur conviennent le mieux. Cette information comprend l’élaboration d’un répertoire des ressources et la diffusion de dépliants de renseignements au sujet de l’horaire et des coordonnées des ateliers de conseils.

« Le processus à la Cour de la famille dans son ensemble peut être très intimidant, a-t-elle admis. Les personnes avec lesquelles je travaille ne sont pas représentées, ainsi je les aide en les mettant en contact avec notre avocat de service et je les dirige vers les ateliers de conseils s’il y a d’autres documents qu’ils doivent remplir. »

Elle se souvient qu’un jour, au palais de justice, elle a rencontré un homme à qui on avait signifié une motion urgente pour le jour suivant et qui ne savait pas du tout quoi faire. Il était séparé de sa femme et de ses enfants et, en raison de violence familiale, des accusations avaient été portées contre lui.

Terrifié à l’idée de perdre tout contact avec ses enfants, l’homme s’est adressé à Sondra qu’il avait déjà rencontré à un atelier de conseils. Très rapidement, cette dernière a pu déterminer ce qu’il fallait faire et à qui il fallait parler.

Grâce à un certificat, l’homme a pu retenir les services d’un avocat pour s’occuper de la motion urgente le lendemain et le client est arrivé à établir un horaire de visites temporaire pour voir ses enfants.

« J’aime beaucoup travailler avec les gens et les aider à vaincre les obstacles que pose le processus judiciaire, a dit Sondra en parlant de son travail. Parfois, ce ne sont que de petites choses comme donner des renseignements, un numéro de téléphone ou une date. D’autres fois, ce sont des choses plus importantes comme raconter l’histoire des gens dans les documents de la cour. »

Si vous habitez le comté de Lambton et que vous avez des questions sur les services d’aide juridique, composez le 1 877 449-4002 ou consultez legalaid.on.ca.

Célébrez la Journée nationale des Autochtones le 21 juin 2014

En l’honneur de la contribution des Premières nations, des Métis et des Inuits en Ontario, Aide juridique Ontario (AJO) souhaite à tous une très joyeuse Journée nationale des Autochtones! Célébrez cette journée en participant à des activités locales ou en consacrant un peu de temps à vous informer sur les communautés autochtones locales et leurs cultures. Ne manquez pas de visiter le site Web d’Affaires autochtones et Développement du Nord Canada où vous trouverez une liste des événements locaux organisés dans la province.

La Journée nationale des Autochtones est célébrée chaque année pour reconnaître et honorer les droits existants et les riches contributions des Premières nations, des Métis et des Inuits au Canada. Ce n’est pas par hasard que cette journée nationale tombe le jour du solstice d’été. Pour de nombreuses cultures des Premières Nations, le solstice d’été marque un moment de purification spirituelle et de célébration du changement de saison. Cette journée revêt une grande importance spirituelle pour de nombreuses cultures autochtones et symbolise le respect et l’engagement à reconnaître les diverses cultures des peuples autochtones du Canada.

Voici un bref historique de la Journée nationale des Autochtones

  • 1982    L’Assemblée des Premières Nations demande que le 21 juin soit reconnu comme Journée nationale de la solidarité autochtone
  • 1990    L’Assemblée législative du Québec désigne le 21 juin comme une journée de célébration de la culture autochtone
  • 1995    La Commission royale sur les peuples autochtones recommande l’adoption d’une journée nationale des premiers peuples
  •  1996   L’ancien gouverneur général Roméo LeBlanc déclare le 21 juin Journée nationale des Autochtones
  • 2013    Les Chefs en assemblée adoptent une résolution demandant au gouvernement du Canada de déclarer le 21 juin une fête nationale connue sous le nom de Journée des peuples autochtones.

Grâce au dévouement de son personnel, AJO reconnaît l’importance et le caractère unique des Premières nations, des Métis et des Inuits dans tout l’Ontario. Par sa Stratégie de justice applicable aux Autochtones, Aide juridique Ontario vise à obtenir des améliorations mesurables aux services d’aide juridique offerts aux peuples autochtones dans la province.

 

Celebrate National Aboriginal Day June 21st

In recognition of the contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples to Ontario, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), would like to wish everyone a very happy National Aboriginal Day! Participate in the celebration by attending local events or dedicating some time to learning about your local Aboriginal communities and their cultures. Please visit Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s website for a list of local events being hosted across the province.

National Aboriginal Day is celebrated every year to honour and recognize the existing rights and valuable contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples of Canada. It is no coincidence that the national holiday falls on the summer solstice. For many First Nation cultures, the summer solstice is a time of spiritual cleansing and celebration of the changing season. This day has great spiritual significance to many Aboriginal cultures and symbolizes respect and commitment to the recognition of the different cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

A Brief History of National Aboriginal Day

  • 1982    Assembly of First Nations calls for the creation of June 21st as National    Aboriginal Solidarity Day
  • 1990    Québec legislature recognizes June 21st as a day to celebrate Aboriginal culture
  • 1995   Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommends the designation of a National First Peoples Day
  • 1996    June 21st is declared National Aboriginal Day by former Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc
  • 2013    Chiefs in Assembly pass a resolution calling for the Government of Canada to declare June 21st a national holiday known as Indigenous Peoples Day

Through the dedication of its staff, LAO is committed to recognizing the importance and uniqueness of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people across Ontario. Through its Aboriginal Justice Strategy, the organization aims to achieve measurable improvements to legal aid services for Aboriginal peoples.

 

Une émission de radio bihebdomadaire offre une voie pour l’éducation juridique communautaire (en anglais)

Pour la clinique Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services (NALSC), la radio s’avère un moyen efficace d’échange d’information avec les 49 communautés des Premières Nations qui vivent sur le territoire de la Nation Nishnawbe Aski (NAN) du Nord de l’Ontario.

Il y a plus d’un an que différents membres du personnel de la clinique traitent de sujets juridiques au cours d’une émission d’une demi-heure diffusée deux fois par semaine sur les ondes de Wawatay Radio à 14 h, HNE.  Au cours de ces émissions, une gamme de sujets ont été traités, notamment les droits de la personne et le harcèlement des aînés, l’intimidation et la communauté et la surreprésentation des Autochtones dans les établissements correctionnels.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, consultez les sites suivants :