Nunavut Therapeutic Justice Program - Marie-Odile Marcotte & Leslie Emingak-Frempong

The presenters would like to share about a pilot project undertaken by the Government of Nunavut, Department of Justice. The Therapeutic Justice Program (TJP) will be launched on April 1, 2019 in the community of Cambridge Bay, NU. The Government of Nunavut hopes that the pilot will show positive results, so the TJP can be expanded to other Nunavut communities and implemented in Nunavut’s justice system as a permanent option. The TJP focus on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior such as mental health, addiction issues and trauma. Clients are referred to the program by RCMP officers, crown prosecutors and defense lawyers. It is available as both pre-charge and post-charge options. The files are referred to a multi-disciplinary Assessment Team composed of the Therapeutic Justice Case Specialist, a Mental Health Consultant and a Community Counsellor. The program is community based and have two main components; a clinical component – support from mental health counsellors and clinicians, psychologists, etc. and a cultural component – support from community counsellors and Elders, participation in cultural programming (e.g. on-the-land programs), etc. Individualized Wellness Plans are established by the Assessment Team for each client. The program has a holistic approach, in line with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles. The TJP involves various government departments as well as community-based organizations and groups.