Community & Justice Services | St. Clair College
Two Year - Ontario College Diploma
Starts: September

Pathways:
Upon graduation, the following pathway to a degree is available:
Community & Justice Services Bridge - CC99

Contact:
Melissa Kakuk
519-972-2727 ext. 4977

Program Overview

The Community and Justice Services program focuses on at-risk and high-risk client groups in both community and institutional settings. The nature of these environments and the diversity of clients demand a highly trained workforce able to intervene effectively using best practices in order to ensure the protection of the public and the safety of the community, staff, and clients. This program is designed to prepare students for front-line careers in the justice system with attention to custody, risk assessment, case management, intervention strategies, and reintegration.

Program Highlights

  • The comprehensive curriculum involves both theory and hands-on learning and prepares students for a wide variety of careers related to institutional and community-based services as well as other areas of law enforcement.
  • Specialized courses such as Youth in Conflict with the Law, Institutional Correctional Practices, and Restorative Justice are taught by field experts providing first-hand expertise about existing issues and current trends.
  • Students obtain invaluable experience working with at-risk client groups through an intensive work placement experience. This connects students to the community and many employment opportunities.
  • Students will complete occupational requirements for border, correctional and police services via PARE, FITCO and PREP fitness assessments.

Career Opportunities

Careers may be based in youth facilities; federal and provincial correctional institutions; justice agencies; policing and community agencies, programs and services.

Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College(C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:

  • Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4U or EAE4C.

Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.

Important Information

Some correctional agencies have minimum hearing and vision standards.

Health Requirements

Applicants must be able to physically perform the duties of this position. Students will complete occupational requirements for border, correctional and police services via PARE, FITCO and PREP fitness assessments. Any student seeking entry into this program should evaluate their physical readiness in anticipation of a rigorous fitness routine.

Courses

The curriculum below is for incoming students:

Semester 1
Code Title Credits
JUS103
Issues In Canadian Criminal Justice
3
JUS104
Psychology For Law And Justice
3
JUS102
Interpersonal & Group Dynamics
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
JUS101
Lifestyle & Fitness Management I
3
JUS105
Ethics And Professionalism
3
JUS100
Law And Justice Communications I
3
Semester 2
Code Title Credits
JUS201
Lifestyle & Fitness Management II
3
CJS201
Youth Justice System
3
JUS202
Conflict Management
3
CJS203
Institutional Correction Practices
3
JUS203
Criminology
3
JUS200
Law & Justice Communications II
3
CJS204
Correctional Interviews & Counselling
3
JUS211
Mental Health And Addiction Awareness For First Responders
3
Semester 3
Code Title Credits
HSC168
First Aid, CPR, Defibrillator
1
CJS352
Work-Integrated Learning And Skills Development
14
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3

*Both ELEC1030 courses MUST be online

Semester 4
Code Title Credits
CJS406
Youth Issues
3
CJS407
Inclusive Community Practices
3
CJS401
Restorative Justice/Practices
3
CJS403
Safe & Secure Environment
3
CJS404
Rehabilitation And Reintegration Programming
3
CJS205
Diversity Issues In The Canadian Justice System
3
CJS411
Integrative Seminar
3

View Pre/Co-Requisites for Community & Justice Services

*Lab components of Fitness classes within this program are delivered at the main campus.

Past Cohorts:

Semester 1
Code Title Credits
JUS103
Issues In Canadian Criminal Justice
3
JUS104
Psychology For Law And Justice
3
JUS102
Interpersonal & Group Dynamics
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
JUS101
Lifestyle & Fitness Management I
3
JUS105
Ethics And Professionalism
3
JUS100
Law And Justice Communications I
3
Semester 2
Code Title Credits
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
CJS201
Youth Justice System
3
CJS202
Community Correction Practices
3
CJS203
Institutional Correction Practices
3
JUS203
Criminology
3
JUS200
Law & Justice Communications II
3
CJS204
Correctional Interviews & Counselling
3
JUS211
Mental Health And Addiction Awareness For First Responders
3
Semester 3
Code Title Credits
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
CJS310
Field Placement
21
HSC168
First Aid CPR Defibrillator
1

*ELEC1030 MUST be online

Semester 4
Code Title Credits
JUS202
Conflict Management
3
CJS401
Restorative Justice/Practices
3
JUS201
Lifestyle & Fitness Management II
3
CJS403
Safe & Secure Environment
3
CJS404
Rehabilitation And Reintegration Programming
3
CJS205
Diversity Issues In The Canadian Justice System
3
CJS406
Youth Issues
3
CJS407
Inclusive Community Practices
3

Synergy Placement Notice to Students

Pre-Placement Requirements

St. Clair College has partnered with Synergy Gateway Inc to provide you access to Verified - a platform that is used by students at other post-secondary institutions across Ontario for the purpose of digitally collecting placement requirements related to placement(s). Synergy Gateway Inc will provide support and clearance to help with your required documentation. You will be required to complete an Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) Review through the Verified platform in order to receive clearance to begin your clinical placement. You will be provided access to "Verified" via a secure username and password. You will use Verified to:

  • Upload your pre-placement requirements documentation for review.
  • Book your Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) service (this is a service that reviews the documents you have uploaded and provides you a status as to your eligibility to begin placements).
  • Track your ongoing requirements compliance.

Each student will receive log-in credentials to access Verified that will be sent to your St. Clair College email account. Please check your inbox, spam and junk mail folders for an email from the "Synergy Help Desk". You will be required to create a new password upon logging in. Be sure to view the video user guides and student guidebook to learn how to use the Verified platform.

Any associated fees for Synergy Gateway Inc to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the students.

It is mandatory that students complete their ERV service through Verified to be eligible for your upcoming clinical placement.

Once your account has been set up with Verified, inquiries can be directed to Synergy Gateway Inc at www.Synergyhelps.com. You will need to submit a Help Desk ticket. Their Help Desk hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am - 3 pm, excluding holidays.

** Please note: If you are an International student completing a placement, you will require a valid COOP Work Permit.


Requirements

(Please refer to your Synergy communications for full details)

Additional Placement Requirements

Special Conditions

Students must have achieved an overall program Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater to enroll in the placement course CJS352 (Work-Integrated Learning and Skills Development).

Corequisite

Students must successfully complete HSC168 - First Aid, CPR, AED prior to attending placement. This course is provided as part of the pre-placement workshops for CJS352 in Semester 3.

Other

Reliable transportation is required, as students may be placed anywhere in Windsor-Essex County. Students are responsible for their own travel and costs related to their field placement experiences.

  • Students will be expected to wear professional attire and conform with the professional requirements of their placement provider.
  • All required training modules (WHMIS, Access Forward Customer Service Training, AODA Training) must be completed prior to placement start.

COVID-19 Vaccination Placement Notice to Students

This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, most of our placement sites are requiring students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and, therefore, will not be able to complete their programs. Please be advised that COVID-19 booster shots and/or other requirements may become mandatory for placement, however, they are not currently required.

  • Student placements are assigned. Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.

    • Placements may be outside the Windsor/Chatham area.
  • Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to placements.
  • Students are responsible for the cost of scrub uniforms/footwear and equipment (such as a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand) and other incidentals as required.
  • Placement schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on placement need and agency availability.

Your Investment

The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:

2023-2024 Tuition Fees  

For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses is at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.

Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found through the Bookstore website.

Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.

Program Physical Demands Analysis

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Community and Justice Services (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 50705)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.  
  2. Employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
  3. Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.  
  4. Collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
  5. Assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry certification and/or standards.  
  6. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment.  
  7. Engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
  8. Apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
  9. Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.
  10. Work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.  
  11. Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
  12. Promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.