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ABOUT NANAIMO REGION JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY

Area Served:

The Nanaimo Region comprises of the communities from Ladysmith to Bowser, including Gabriola Island.

 

Mission Statement:

To be active in making the Criminal Justice System effective, humane and responsible through community involvement.

 

Vision:

Building a healthy community through positive social change and citizen involvement.

 

Core Values:

1. Compassion

2. Innovation

3. Leadership

4. Integrity

5. Honesty

6. Accountability

 

Strategic Objectives:

1. Commitment to our Mission, Vision and Values

2. Effective, community-based innovative programs and services

3. Public education

4. Participation in building community and capacity

What We Believe

INDIVIDUALS

That people can change for the better.

 

RESPONSIBILITY

That everyone is responsible for the Criminal Justice System in his or her community.

 

CRIME PREVENTION

That the prevention of crime should be a priority for all local, provincial and federal governments.

 

THE LAW AND YOUNG OFFENDERS

That the principles within the Act are fundamentally sound. That lowering the age (under 12) and publishing the names of young offenders is not warranted. That community-based resources are needed to enhance the effectiveness of the Act and deter incarceration.

 

JAIL

That incarceration of an offender is a last resort for the protection of the community. That incarceration is "punishment" and should be humane. That the practice of double bunking is unacceptable.

 

PAROLE

That the process of gradual release from incarceration into the community is beneficial to both the offender and community safety. That halfway houses are a part of this process. That the so-called "faint hope" clause for offenders serving life sentences is a positive provision.

 

SEX OFFENDERS

That Public Notification and Registries are not in the offenders’ or public’s best interest (as provisions exist for authorities to effectively deal with community safety). That treatment and community support reduce the risk of re-offending for the majority of sex offenders.

 

DRUGS AND CRIME

That increased public education and prevention programs be supported. That harm reduction strategies to include needle exchanges, medically assisted detoxification, and long term supportive housing be supported. That the purchase and possession of illegal / illicit substances by adults for personal consumption be considered a health issue, not a criminal offence.

 

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

That capital punishment is inhumane and does not deter criminal activity.

 

VICTIMS OF CRIME

That the concerns of victims of crime be addressed through the principles of Restorative Justice.

 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

That government and communities work together to enhance the criminal justice system through the expansion of victim offender mediation / conflict resolution / healing and reconciliation.