The Aboriginal Combined Courtworker is available mainly through Friendship Centres across the province. The provincial program is administered by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres with funds provided jointly by the federal Department of Justice, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Since the first Native Courtworkers began to attend courts in Ontario in the mid-1960s, the program has developed to a point where it has now earned the respect of the police, the courts, other related agencies and the federal and provincial governments.
THE JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN BE CONFUSING
When a person is accused of a crime, or they are dealing withfamily issues in court, the system of courts and legal procedures that they must go through is very complicated, and can be a confusing and frightening experience.
This can be especially true for Native people whose language and cultural differences make the Criminal and Family Justice systems particularly difficult to understand.
In Ontario, the Aboriginal Combined Courtworker is available to provide assistance to all Native people who are in contact with the legal system, whether they are Status, Non-Status or Métis.
Courtworkers provide services to all Native people who require them, in strict confidentiality.
**IF YOU, A FRIEND OR A RELATIVE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LAW, THESE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THAT A COURTWORKER CAN HELP.**
NATIVE COURTWORKER SERVICES AVAILABLE:
Courtworkers can assist Native individuals by acting as a liaison between the individual and the court.
Courtworkers can explain to the individual the reasons for their arrest, and their legal rights and responsibilities regarding the charges against them.
Courtworkers can inform accused individuals of their rights, and help fill out applications for Legal Aid if the accused cannot afford a lawyer.
Courtworkers can work with officials of the court to ensure that an individual receives fair treatment.
Courtworkers can obtain the services of Native language interpreters when needed, and Native cultural interpreters when It has a bearing on the case.
Courtworkers can explain to an accused the meaning of decisions that the court may make regarding their detention before trial or release on bail, and explain any conditions imposed on their release.
Courtworkers can help prepare Pre-Sentence Reports to ensure that the background of a convicted Native person is properly presented.
Courtworkers can explain to a person placed on probation what this means and what is expected of them.
Courtworkers can work with community agencies to help the accused meet their immediate and long-term needs and goals.
Courtworkers can make contact with the area Native Inmate Liaison Worker if the accused is sentenced to a provincial institution.
Courtworkers can visit Native inmates in the jails and penitentiaries in their area to provide information and moral support.
Courtworkers can explain to either party the procedures of Family Court.
Courtworkers can work with parents or families in the case of a child apprehension by CAS, to ensure that all proper steps are taken to protect thechild and if possible to reunite the family.
