CrimSL instructor Dr. Jacqueline Briggs hosted a unique end-of-semester class event on November 29th as a grand finale for her students in CRI494 – Local Justice Programs Collaborative Research Project.
The students organized the event to celebrate their term work and the launch of their Toronto Youth Justice Diversion Programs Navigation Guide as well as their Youth Justice: Unlocked podcast.
The 69-page navigation guide is the first-ever comprehensive, accessible guide to Toronto's diversion, alternative, and youth justice programs, says Briggs. "The goal was to create a vital resource for the criminal justice community," she says. "I think the students nailed it."
"The guide is a significant step toward creating meaningful change in how youth justice is approached in Toronto, and fostering better outcomes for young adults and their families," says Briggs.
Through an extensive environmental scan of the Greater Toronto Area and the outreach done by each student in the class, this navigation guide is a first step to helping youth and families find resources, information, and support. This guide is designed to support criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, youth, and their families, offering critical insights into effective alternatives to traditional justice pathways. This Guide acts as a valuable tool, highlighting options for addressing youth justice through a restorative and community-focused approach. - Tianyang Liu, Jocelyn Mattka, and Stephanie Shih, CRI2494 students
The launch event featured Q & A panels with attended by experts, faculty, and academics, and offered students an opportunity to share their findings and engage with key stakeholders.
The student podcast Youth Justice: Unlocked was also launched at the event. Students say, "Each episode provides an accessible introduction to the topics in the Navigation Guide that is suitable for a wide array of listeners."
"Our goal is to dive deep into Canada's youth justice system, focusing on youth diversion programs and their impacts."
Students in the class worked collaboratively on podcast production, literature review, and event organization.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project continues to explore and expand on these critical issues in the realm of youth justice.
Read the Toronto Youth Justice Diversion Programs Navigation Guide
Listen to the podcast
Episode 1: An interview with CrimSL's Professor Zachary Levinsky.
Episode 2: Voices from the team give perspectives on their experiences doing the research project as well as planning the event.
Co-hosts: Alyssa Young and Anaya Chaudhry.
With content from Tianyang Liu, Jocelyn Mattka, and Stephanie Shih.