Community and Justice Services

Description

Students gain the knowledge and skills required to work with at-risk and offender populations in a variety of institutional and community correctional programs that operate within and adjacent to the justice system. Our curriculum combines theory and a variety of applied, experiential and work integrated learning opportunities that allow students to graduate with job readiness skills. Students learn about industry-based subjects such as human rights, equity and inclusion, and advocacy; skills and abilities relating to interpersonal and professional communications; programming and interventions connected to client and case management, and the importance of mental health, wellness and resiliency. The program is delivered by faculty with industry expertise, and complemented by subject matter experts who share their knowledge as part of the course curriculum. Our program has a long-standing history of community partnerships that allow students to participate in community projects and unique experiential learning opportunities. In second year, students complete a 7-week immersive field placement at a community or custody based justice agency that supports graduates as they transition to the profession.

Career Opportunities

As a member of the justice community, program graduates often work as part of an interdisciplinary team in the field, engaging in program planning, assessment, and the implementation of intervention strategies to meet the needs to clients and the community.

Graduates may consider career opportunities in federal and provincial correctional institutions, community residential facilities, open and secure custody facilities for youth, early intervention and rehabilitation programs, school settings, as well as community-based justice and advocacy agencies providing programs and services to offenders, individuals at-risk and victims of crime.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation;
2. employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings;
3. intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development;
4. collect information, observe, monitor, record, and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements;
5. assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by legislative requirements and industry certification and/or standards;
6. develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment; 
7. engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting;
8. apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices;
9. develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection;
10. work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace; 
11. assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change;
12. promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations. 

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Fall 2026
• Sem 4: Winter 2027

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional Information

Students are required to sign a waiver indicating they are physically and medically able to participate in strenuous physical activity.

Students may be asked to have a valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C or HCP certificate before proceeding to field placement or participating in volunteer opportunities. It is recommended that First Aid and CPR training is completed prior to program entry.

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. 

Proof of completion of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness training must be provided before proceeding on field placement.

Students are required to review agency requirements provided by the field placement office and complete requirements as needed. 

Graduation Requirements

17 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Field Placement

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking 

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
CJSR 1007	Introduction to Community Justice and Corrections	42
CJSR 1008	Introduction to Law and Correctional Legislation	42
FITN 1018	Wellness and Resilience in Community Justice and Correction 1	42
LAWS 1005	Introduction to Security Skills	42
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 2
Program Courses
CJSR 1009	Human Rights Social Justice and Advocacy In Community Justice and Corrections	42
CJSR 1010	Interviewing Interpersonal Communication and Professional Response	42
CJSR 1011	Observation Documentation and Report Writing in Corrections	42
CJSR 1012	Understanding Deviant Behaviour and Criminal Motivations	42
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 3
Program Courses
CJSR 2008	Career Resource Development	42
CJSR 2010	Indigenous Justice: Advocacy and Community Development	42
CJSR 2012	Inclusive Correctional Practices	42
CJSR 2013	Programming, Planning and Reintegration	42
CJSR 2016	Youth Justice Interventions	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 4
Program Courses
FITN 2004	Wellness and Resiliency in Community Justice and Corrections 2	42
CJSR 2009	Crisis Management and Behaviour Intervention	42
CJSR 2011	Substance Abuse Management	42
CJSR 2014	Field Placement Seminar CJSR	28
Field Placement
CJSR 2015	Field Placement Community and Justice Services	240
	Hours	394
	Total Hours	1150

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of two years (as stated above) may take a maximum of four years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.