Resolving straightforward cases early in the process is critical to supporting the prosecution of more complex cases in court and Direct Accountability helps achieve this.

Direct Accountability recognizes that in order to hold offenders accountable to their community, some low-risk offences are more effectively addressed outside of the formal criminal court process. Sanctions could include community service, restitution, donation to a charity or attending programming or counselling. New guidelines ensure that measures are taken earlier in the court process - before the first appearance, where possible.

They’ve adapted a First Appearance Court Orientation Session where people who are eligible for Direct Accountability are given a Simcoe County Direct Accountability Program Agreement Form with the recommended sanctions listed. These include community service, restitution or donation to a charity or programs provided by the John Howard Society such as the Stop Shop Theft to address the issue that led to conflict with the law.  Philip Smith of the John Howard Society in York Region, who’s available at the court in Bradford every Thursday, points out that all of these options directly benefit the community. “The proceeds go to local charities that work to address root issues such as poverty and addiction that can lead to involvement in the justice system.”

Smith says that in this system he sees both the victim and the perpetrator and both often agree that justice has been done and each has a sense of community participation.”

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