|
|
H.C.S. P. BackgroundThe Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the prosecution of children under the age of 12. Consequently, children under the age of 12 participating in criminal like behavior or anti-social behavior, unless deemed in need of protection, are not necessarily provided with any services in Hamilton. The Children’s Aid Society and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society are notified only when the child is deemed in need of protection. A centralized protocol for children under 12 who are engaging in criminal like activity provides an avenue for community service organizations and families to refer children to obtain assistance.
In Toronto (1999), the Toronto Police Service and Earlscourt Child and Family Centre in partnership initiated a protocol with other major stakeholders including child welfare, school boards, and other community agencies. The Hamilton Protocol is based on this model.
Banyan Community Services Inc. received funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Partners Against Crime Community Crime Prevention Program to establish a Hamilton protocol for children under 12 who are engaging in criminal like activity. In October 2001, an advisory committee was formed to create Hamilton Centralized Services Protocol for Children under 12 (in conflict with the law). The advisory committee consists of Banyan Community Services, Hamilton Police Service, Hamilton Emergency Services - Fire, Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth District Catholic School Board, Chedoke Child and Family Centre, and CONTACT Hamilton for Children’s and Developmental Services
The protocol establishes a coordinated procedure to ensure that children under 12 who are engaging in criminal or antisocial behavior are connected with appropriate services. A Central Intake Line has been established for parents, teachers, child protection workers, fire service personnel, social service counselors, and police officers to call to access services for children under 12 in the Hamilton area.
 Printable Version
|
|
Under 12 Outreach Program & Girls Connection
121 Augusta Street
Hamilton, ON
P.905.544.7778
F.905.544.9403
**SNAP® is a registered trademark owned by the Child Development Institute’s Centre for Children Committing Offences, Toronto, CANADA and is being used under license by Banyan Community Services
For more information on the SNAP® model please see
www.stopnowandplan.com
Thank you to our sponsors
Hamilton Police Services:
Project Concern
|