The Community and Justice Services program at St. Clair College prides itself on hands-on learning throughout the two years of study and over the past year, students have engaged in a number of experiential learning opportunities.
First-year students welcomed representatives from Ministry of the Solicitor General, including Brittany Adams, a regional recruiter for the western region, and Officer Dave Deschamps. Students learned about the provincial corrections hiring process and the many jobs available to graduates within correctional services.
Those same students also welcomed Melanie Garant, a Gladue Writer – who prepares detailed reports for the Canadian court system – to learn about unique circumstances faced by indigenous people in the justice system, to identify culturally responsive perspectives, and understand Garant's role within the court process.
"Having guest speakers in the class allows students to envision the potential for careers in the field," said Joe Strgar, an instructor in the Community and Justice Services program. "It gives them significant opportunity to learn and gain insight from people who have found success and have direct field experience in the areas they aspire for careers. Students are provided with more perspectives, which also enhances their understanding of the subjects they are studying."
First-years were also able to tour the South West Detention Centre in Windsor, Ont. This comprehensive tour allowed students to see first-hand what work the officers do daily. By having one-on-one conversations with staff, they also learned the benefits and challenges that a career in correctional services brings.
"This experience really stood out because it brought what we were learning in the classroom into a real-world context," said Alysa Dumeah, now a second-year CJS student. "Seeing the environment, talking to staff, and understanding more about the correctional system helped deepen my appreciation for the field. It made the lessons feel more meaningful and grounded in reality".
Aside from a tour of the facility, students were also visited by staff from St. Leonard's House and met a resident of the home who discussed his experiences in prison and reintegrating back into the community.
Students also had the opportunity to participate in the annual Youth Justice Panel, which is an opportunity for students to connect with other professionals involved in the youth justice system, including police, crown attorneys, defence lawyers, mental health court workers, and other agencies involved in providing justice-related supports and services to at-risk youth.
Students have an opportunity to apply their knowledge of the youth justice system and principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act to the different roles and responsibilities of those on the panel.
"Students see how the agencies and services work together to support youth in holding them accountable, providing meaningful consequences and promoting rehabilitation and reintegration," said Mike Tennant, an instructor in the program.
