Criminal and Youth Courtwork Program
Contracted with Alberta Justice and cost-shared by Justice Canada
Aboriginal people continue to be over-represented in all aspects of the Criminal Justice System. Native Counselling Services of Alberta, through its Criminal Courtwork Program, seeks to redress some of the difficulties encountered by Aboriginal accused within the Criminal Justice System by providing services in and out of court.
In-court services for Native Counselling Service of Alberta’s clients remain the most time and labour intensive function of the Criminal Courtworkers. NCSA’s in-court services include: providing in-court client support; acting as a ‘friend of the court’ to provide information to the court on community resources available; providing explanations to accused in plain language; providing translation services where possible; entering pleas; speaking to sentence and adjournment; as well as providing emotional support to clients throughout the court process.
NCSA’s out-of-court services to both Aboriginal people accused of crimes and Aboriginal victims of crime involve extensive contact with and advocacy for our clients. These services include:
v conducting client intakes (interviews, needs assessments, documentation); preparing cases, including documentation, statistics, court briefs and reports;
v providing information on the nature of the charge, rights, court procedures, roles and responsibilities, court etiquette, and available options;
v assisting in accessing documented information; making reminder and follow-up calls as needed; providing non-therapeutic counselling and emotional support;
v providing written submissions when speaking to sentence on behalf of accused;
v providing assistance with Legal Aid applications;
v and facilitating linkages with translation/interpreter services.
NCSA Courtworkers are heavily involved in delivering/facilitating various alternative and restorative justice services for Aboriginal clients. Finally, following-up with clients is an important aspect of NCSA’s Criminal Courtwork Program. The duties involved include following-up with Criminal Justice personnel regarding outcome of case, status of accused, as well as with client or service agencies regarding services provided. Youth Courtworkers often act as a liaison with Youth Justice Committees wherever a partnership between NCSA and the Committee exists.
The Criminal Courtwork Program has continued to evolve with the needs of the clients over the past 39 years. NCSA is an active member of the National Tri-Partite Working Group for Courtwork Programs. While remaining a cost-effective method of delivering these complex services, the program continues to provide status-blind services to all Aboriginal people in Alberta. Back to Top
