Pathways | Justice Services

Justice Services

Addictions / Substance Use, Housing / Shelter, Legal, Mental Health - Adult & Senior, Mental Health - Child & Youth, and Youth Services

Provided by John Howard Society of Victoria

The justice services provide programs and assistance to individuals involved in or affected by the criminal justice system.

The following programs are offered:

Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) Services: Individual and group pre-release planning are provided to residents at VIRCC, which includes goal setting, support network resources, affordable housing information, ID and tax preparation and life skills workshops. More information is available online.
William Head Visitors Group Program: The William Head Visitors Group Program recognizes the need for social supports which help alleviate an individual’s feelings of isolation and help emphasize feelings of positive self-worth. Volunteers visit the William Head Federal Penitentiary weekly for social and recreational activities. More information is available online.
Manchester House: Manchester House provides a transitional home for people returning to the local community from institutions. Commonly called a Halfway House or CRF (Community-based Residential Facility), the home provides a structured environment and an opportunity to safely reintegrate into the community and become a contributing member of society. It accommodates up to fifteen residents in nine single and three double rooms. The house is a large, renovated home, centrally located in Victoria. More information is available online.
Guthrie Therapeutic Community Program - Nanaimo Correctional Centre: a 4-month residential substance misuse treatment program where residents have the opportunity to make changes in their lives. The program consists of 4 phases of skill development for recovery management, re-entry planning and links to recovery communities. Residents learn how to conduct themselves in relationships and help each other to maintain a healthy and sober lifestyle
Indigenous Cultural Liaison Services (ICL): Delivering cultural services to self-identified Indigenous residents at Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) and Vancouver Island Correctional Centre (VIRCC). Residents are supported with counselling and connecting or reconnecting with their culture and respective communities. Elders play an integral part in the program, working with ICL’s to enhance the programs, activities and events. More information is available online.
Intensive Supervision and Support Program (ISSP): This program focuses on community-based alternative to custody that incorporates rehabilitative interventions and support services specific to the individual female youth. All youth may have access to individual and group counseling, teacher and counselor supported education, social, cultural, and recreational activities, along with work and volunteer experience. The program helps young women to overcome the complex challenges they face and develop the needed pro-social skills to cope with these challenges.