Department of Justice, Government of Nunavut

Published purpose

The main objective of this project is to adapt, test and implement the Therapeutic Justice Program (TJP) in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. The TJP is an Inuit-led diversion program that aims to reduce recidivism and overrepresentation of indigenous offenders and victims in correctional facilities, increase front-line services to Nunavummiut for mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma as well as enhance community-resource capacity by empowering local leaders and organizations. The TJP will offer activities to youth, 12 to 30 years of age, in the legal system under two main components: a clinical component that provides mental health support such as mediation, counselling, or healing circles and a cultural component that provides community-based cultural programming. An evaluation will be conducted to assess the overall effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the Program in Pond Inlet.