Community Justice Programs

Springboard’s Community Justice programming includes our Direct Accountability program for provincial criminal code offences, our Stop Shop Theft program for theft charges, and the diversion program for possession of marijuana through the federal court at Old City Hall.

Springboard currently operates Direct Accountability programs at Toronto Old City Hall and Scarborough Courts. Through referrals from the Crown Attorney, this program provides measures for adults charged with less serious criminal code charges as an alternative to the traditional court process. After an intake process with the accused at court, clients are assigned measures that may include community service, attending programming, counselling, charitable donations, or making restitution to the victim.

Stop Shop Theft is a program for individuals taking responsibility for their crimes. This program accepts referrals from the Direct Accountability programs in all five adult Toronto courts. Springboard has developed a video presentation as part of this program that has been translated into 8 languages that it shares with other agencies around the province where Direct Accountability programs are now operating.

Springboard also provides a Diversion Program for accused appearing at Toronto Old City Hall charged with possession of marijuana. After an intake process, participants voluntarily complete measures to the satisfaction of the program worker and the Crown as an alternative to the formal court process. Upon completion charges will be withdrawn by the crown.