At the Justice Centre: Education Advocacy & Navigation

JFCY’s Education Advocate Lawyer and Education Navigator are part of a team of specialist justice partners situated within the Toronto Northwest Justice Centre – a Ministry of the Attorney General pilot project originally located at the former 2201 Finch court, now housed at the 10 Armoury Street court house. Justice Centres are intended to move justice out of traditional courtrooms and into the community to address the root causes of criminal offending. The Toronto Northwest Justice Centre brings together a number of community services and supports for young people charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The role of the Advocate and Navigator is to assist young people who are facing youth criminal justice system involvement by providing direct access to expert education law supports and services. Young people at the intersection of youth criminal justice and education law face a range of complex legal, social and personal issues that can directly or indirectly impact their schooling. The Advocate and Navigator are embedded at the Toronto Northwest Justice Centre where this intersection is identified as one important component of a young persons’ experience that requires expert assistance. They ensure the provision of meaningful, timely and robust services to support young people in access to education, and to support rehabilitation and reintegration in ways that enhance community safety and well-being.

The Advocate and Navigator continue to strengthen existing community and school partnerships as well as established new multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive services and support for our clients, particularly in North York. Beyond education, JFCY staff lawyers provided legal services, support and advocacy to Justice Centre participants across myriad practice areas including criminal justice.