Archives

Over the years, the John Howard Society of Alberta has created a large collection of research & policy documents for public legal education.

We are pleased to offer the public as much of our older materials as possible, in order to assist researchers, students, and anyone else interested in the history of criminal justice in Alberta and Canada.

You can choose to view all documents in a certain category, search for documents, and sort the list by any column.

An Important Note

Some of the documents listed below are no longer accurate due to changes in legislation or policy, and so are primarily useful for research purposes only. If you are concerned, please contact us and we can give you more information about current legislation and policy.

All documents below are in PDF format except where indicated.

ImageTitleContentDocument CategoriesDate PublishedDownload Linkhf:tax:document_category
A Closer Look at Youth and Crime in Canada (2008)The Canadian public’s perception that the youth crime rate is a growing phenomena in society …2008/01/01

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youth-justice
A Guide to the Young Offenders Act in Alberta (4th Edition)  (NOTE: This document is more of historical interest, since it was replaced by the Youth …1996/01/01

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guides
ALCL0101 – Alcohol and the Law(Activity – Intended for Teachers, Secondary Grade Level) This document is intended for use as a …, 2011/03/01

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alcohol education
Alternative Custody Programs for Youth (1997)A description of the differences among wilderness camps, boot camps and work camps for young …1997/01/01

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youth-justice
An Analysis of the Issue of “Delay” for Sentencing Purposes by Accused Held in Remand (March 2009)“…officials within the justice system, primarily Attorney’s-General, Solicitors-General, and police, have publicly commented that a …, 2009/03/01

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responses sentences
An Examination of Citizen Involvement in Complaints Regarding Police (2005)“On June 16, 2004, the Edmonton Police Commission held a public hearing on the issue …, 2005/01/01

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police responses
Attendance Centres (2000)An examination of attendance centre programs for adult and young offenders. The issues surrounding attendance …2000/01/01

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sentences
Batterers’ Treatment Programs (2001)An examination of the factors that mark risk for battering and repeated battering and of …2001/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
BLYG0101 – Bullying: Overview

Document Type: Reference – Intended For: Teachers The Overview is intended to provide a basic working …, 2010/10/01

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bullying education
BLYG0201 – Bullying: Building a Definition

(Lesson – Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level) This package helps to facilitate a discussion of …, 2010/10/01

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bullying education
BLYG0202 – Bullying: Guidelines for Discussion

(Guide – Intended For: Teachers) This document offers guidelines for constructive, fair and respectful discussion with …, 2010/11/01

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bullying education
BLYG0203 – Bullying: Empathy Activity

(Activity – Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This activity explores the emotional impact of bullying and …, 2010/11/01

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bullying education
BLYG0204 – Bullying: Rules and Bylaws

(Activity – Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This activity explores the purpose and effect of rules …, 2010/11/01

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bullying education
BLYG0205 – Bullying and the Criminal Code

(Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This activity addresses and explores the legal consequences of bullying particularly …, 2010/11/01

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bullying education
Boot Camps: Issues for Canada (1998)An examination of boot camp design, structure and utility. The remarkable growth of boot camps …1998/01/01

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imprisonment
Brief: Response to the Alberta Summit on Justice (1998)Our response to the Summit on Justice consultation process. The paper presents our views on …, 1998/09/01

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responses restorative-justice
Community Based Sex Offender Treatment Programs (1997)A review of community based treatment programs for sex offenders. Two British Columbia programs and …1997/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
Community Corrections (1998)A discussion of the evolution of community corrections over the past 30 years. Among the …1998/01/01

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sentences
Community Notification (1997)An exploration of the practice of notifying communities of the release of potentially dangerous individuals. …1997/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
Conditional Sentences (2000)An analysis of the use of the conditio nal sentence of imprisonment in Canada since …2000/01/01

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sentences
Correctional User Fees (1995)An examination of the collection of user fees in corrections. Issues and concerns surrounding user …1995/01/01

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social-policy
Correctional User Fees (2001)An examination of the collection of user fees in corrections. Issues and concerns surrounding user …2001/01/01

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social-policy
Cost of Criminal Justice (1997)An analysis of the cost of criminal justice in Canada. This paper examines the six …1997/01/01

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social-policy
Crime Prevention Through Social Development (2000)A brief review describing the concept of crime prevention through social development (CPSD). It details …1995/01/01

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crime-prevention
Crime Prevention Through Social Development: A Literature Review (1995)A comprehensive review of CPSD theory and research intended to supplement the Resource Guide. Download1995/01/01

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crime-prevention
Crime Prevention Through Social Development: A Resource Guide (1995)A document intended to help transform the theory of crime prevention through social development (CPSD) …1995/01/01

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crime-prevention
Criminal Justice Reform (2007)A brief position paper in response to the Harper government’s “get tough on crime” position. …, 2007/01/01

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responses restorative-justice
Dangerous Offender Legislation Around the World (1999)A literature review exploring dangerous offender legislation and practices around the world, including a brief …1999/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
DRGS0101 – Drugs: General Information and the Law

(Intended For: Teachers) This overview is intended to provide a basic working knowledge on the subject …, 2010/12/01

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drugs education
DRGS0201 – Drugs: Case Study (Taylor’s Story)

Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level This package helps teachers and others to facilitate a …, 2010/12/01

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drugs education
Effects of Long Term Incarceration (1999)An overview of the effects of long-term incarceration and the ways in which prisoners deal …1999/01/01

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imprisonment
Electronic (Radio Frequency) and GPS Monitored Community Based Supervision Programs (2006)As an update of the JHS paper on Electronic Monitoring (2000), this paper reflects two …2006/01/01

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sentences
Electronic Monitoring (2000)An examination of electronic monitoring technology and programs worldwide, particularly their use in the United …2000/01/01

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sentences
Fact Sheet – Prisons and Mental Health

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her …2011/04/02

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fact-sheet
Fact Sheet – Crime Prevention

Crime prevention is any initiative or policy which reduces or eliminates victimization or the risk …2011/04/01

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fact-sheet
Fact Sheet – Pardons

Pardons are issued by the National Parole Board; 400,000 issued since inception (1970); 96% still …2011/05/01

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fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Crime Prevention (2019)Crime prevention is any initiative or policy, which reduces or eliminates victimization or the risk …, , 2019/10/01

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crime-prevention current fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Extrajudicial Measures (2019)An extrajudicial measure (EJM) is a pre-charge diversion system that was introduced with the YCJA …, , , 2019/10/01

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current fact-sheet ycja youth-justice
Fact Sheet: Extrajudicial Sanctions (2019)An extrajudicial sanction (EJS) is a more formal extrajudicial measure that is used when the …, , , 2019/10/01

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current fact-sheet ycja youth-justice
Fact Sheet: Fentanyl in Alberta (2019)Fentanyl is a strong synthetic narcotic that is made from opioids. It is about 50 to …, , 2019/10/01

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current drugs fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Harm Reduction (2019)Harm reduction can be defined as policies, programs and practices that aim to minimize negative …, , 2019/10/01

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current drugs fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Just What Are “Halfway Houses”? (2019) At its core, a Halfway House is a community- based residential facility (CRF) that serves …, , 2019/10/01

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current fact-sheet post-imprisonment-and-aftercare
Fact Sheet: Marijuana (2019)Marijuana is a mixture of dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It contains …, , 2019/10/01

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current drugs fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Marijuana (2019)This fact sheet summarizes information on the usage, decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in Canada. …, , 2019/12/01

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current drugs fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Responses to Fentanyl (2019)This fact sheet gives a summary of possible responses to fentanyl addiction, including overdose prevention …, , , 2019/12/01

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crime-prevention current drugs fact-sheet
Fact Sheet: Solitary Confinement (2019)Solitary confinement is a form of punishment that separates an inmate from human contact for …, , 2019/10/01

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current fact-sheet imprisonment
Fear of Crime (1998)A literature review examining the extent to which people fear crime, the factors associated with …1998/01/01

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social-policy
Fear of Crime (1999)A literature review examining the extent to which people fear crime, the factors associated with …1999/01/01

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social-policy
FMVL0101 – Family Violence: Building a Definition

(Intended For: Teachers) This document defines family violence, and the types of abuse that can happen …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0102 – Family Violence: Facts to Consider

Intended For: Teachers This document defines family violence, and the types of abuse that can happen …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0103 – Family Violence: Is This Me?

Intended For: Teachers This document provides encouragement and advice if your own relationship may be abusive. …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0104 – Family Violence: Recognizing and Helping

(Intended For: Teachers) This document offers advice and guidance to educators and others who suspect someone …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0105 – Family Violence: Child Abuse Signs and Symptoms

(Intended For: Teachers, General Public) This document offers educators a list of signs & symptoms of …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0106 – Family Violence: Child Abuse, Reporting and the Law

(Intended For: Teachers) This document details what educators should do if they suspect child abuse. This …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0107 – Family Violence: Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

(Intended For: Teachers) This document describes the cycle of violence, and how abusive environments harm children …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
FMVL0108 – Family Violence: Actions and Resources

(Intended For: Teachers) This document offers concrete suggestions for actions to be taken by educators, men, …, 2010/12/01

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education family-violence
Gangs (2001)A review of media, law enforcement, government and academic perspectives on gangs. Existing individual, community …2001/01/01

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social-policy
GNGS0101 – Gangs: Overview

(Intended For: Teachers) This backgrounder will help you better understand what a gang is, who is …, 2010/12/01

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education gangs
GNGS0201 – Gangs: Defining Gangs

(Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This activity directs the student to an understanding of what a …, 2010/12/01

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education gangs
GNGS0202 – Gangs: Novel Study – Character Profile

(Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level) This activity is designed to be used with the …, 2010/12/01

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education gangs
Gun Control and Crime Prevention (1995)This paper will examine gun control within the broader context of crime prevention. Specifically, the …1995/01/01

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Halfway Houses (2001)A general overview of the place of halfway houses in the criminal justice system, how …2001/01/01

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post-imprisonment-and-aftercare
Harsh Reality of the Young Offenders Act (1999)An analysis of whether the justice system treats young people more harshly than adults. Examines …1999/01/01

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youth-justice
History of the John Howard Society of Alberta (1998)A description of the Society’s significant contributions since its inception in 1949. The structure of …1998/01/01

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the-john-howard-society
Infographic: Extrajudicial Measures & SanctionsThis infographic is based on information from our two fact sheets on extrajudicial measures and …, , , , 2020/01/01

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current infographic police sentences youth-justice
Infographic: Solitary ConfinementImportant facts about solitary confinement in Canadian prisons. Details about this topic can be found …, , 2020/01/01

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current imprisonment infographic
Inmate Education (1997)An overview of inmate education in the federal penitentiary system. The unique needs of inmate …1997/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Education (2002)An overview of inmate education in the federal penitentiary system. The unique needs of inmate …2002/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Industries (1997)A discussion of the history and development of inmate industries. The paper provides an overview …1997/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Industries (2002)A discussion of the history and development of inmate industries. The paper provides an overview …2002/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Rights and Grievance Options (1998)An examination of inmates’ rights (past and present) as w ell as the grievance procedures …1998/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Voting Rights (1999)An examination of inmate voting rights in Canada. The issues surrounding inmate voting rights are …1999/01/01

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imprisonment
Inmate Voting Rights (2000)An examination of inmate voting rights in Canada. The issues surrounding inmate voting rights are …2000/01/01

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imprisonment
John Howard: Portrait of a Hero (1991)An in-depth look at John Howard, the person, as well as at how the legacy …1991/01/01

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the-john-howard-society
Justice for Young Offenders (1999)A comparison of the Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act and the proposed Youth …1999/01/01

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youth-justice
Justice for Young Offenders (2007)A comparison of the Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act and the proposed Youth …2007/01/01

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youth-justice
Life Imprisonment (1998)An analysis focussing on the provisions for life imp risonment sentencing and the number of …1998/01/01

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imprisonment
Life Imprisonment (1999)An analysis focussing on the provisions for life imp risonment sentencing and the number of …1999/01/01

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imprisonment
List of HIV/AIDS /Hepatitis C and NPNU Resources in Alberta (2001)NOTE: This document was prepared by our office in 2001 as part of our work on …2001/01/01

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guides
Literature Review: Indigenous Overrepresentation in the Canadian Criminal Justice System (2018)A survey of current literature and discussion of Indigenous overrepresentation at the provincial and federal …, , , , 2018/01/01

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current imprisonment indigenous literature-review research
NEWC0101 – Newcomers: Class Activities

(Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level) This document contains suggestions for a number of class activities …, 2011/05/01

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education newcomers
NEWC0102 – Newcomers: Questions and Answers

(Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This document contains a series of questions and answers aimed at …, 2011/05/01

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education newcomers
Offender Registry (2001)Our response to existing and proposed forms of offender registry, which is a form of …2001/01/01

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social-policy
Offender Risk Assessment (2000)“Risk assessment plays a crucial role in dangerous offender proceedings. While the Canadian criminal justice …2000/01/01

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re-offending
Parental Liability Laws (1997)An examination of increased interest in holding parents accountable for their children’s actions. Parental liability …1997/01/01

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youth-justice
Prison and Jail Suicide (1999)A look at suicide, which is the most common cause of death in Canadian correctional …1999/01/01

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imprisonment
Prison Overcrowding (1996)A briefing paper citing the problems of overcrowding in Canadian prisons, particularly in federal penitentiaries. …1996/01/01

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imprisonment
Private Prisons (1994)1994/01/01

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privatization
Private Prisons (2002)An examination of the theoretical and practical issues surrounding the private prisons debate. (An update …2002/01/01

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privatization
Privatization of Corrections (1998)A review of the literature pertaining to the privatization of corrections. The problems and advantages …1998/01/01

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privatization
Prostitution (1996)A review of the literature on prostitution. The risk factors associated with entry into prostitution …1996/01/01

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social-policy
Prostitution (2001)A review of the literature on prostitution. The risk factors associated with entry into prostitution …2001/01/01

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social-policy
Recidivism and Short Term Inmates (2002)“The definition of recidivism varies depending on the manner in which researchers measure it. Generally, …, 2002/01/01

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post-imprisonment-and-aftercare re-offending
Report: Housing Challenges of Edmonton’s Indigenous Youth (2019)“This modest study has resulted in some significant preliminary insights into the challenges facing Indigenous …, , , 2019/12/01

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current indigenous research youth-justice
Report: Housing Challenges of Seniors Leaving Prison (2019)Full Title: Housing Challenges and Barriers of Senior Adults Being Discharged from Provincial and Federal …, , , , 2019/10/01

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current imprisonment post-imprisonment-and-aftercare research special-needs-offenders
Response (1992) to the Young Offenders Act AmendmentsOur response to Bill C-12, proposed amendments to the Young Offenders Act. These proposals increased …, 1992/01/01

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responses youth-justice
Response (1994) to Sentencing AmendmentsOur response to Bill C-41, amendments to the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code. Download, 1994/01/01

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responses sentences
Response (1994) to the Young Offenders Act AmendmentsOur response to the specific amendments to the Young Offenders Act proposed in Bill C-37. …, 1994/01/01

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responses youth-justice
Response to Corrections and Conditional Release Act Amendments (1994)Our response to Bill C-45, proposed changes to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. More …, 1994/01/01

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post-imprisonment-and-aftercare responses
Response to Dangerous Offender Proposals (1993)Our response to proposed changes to Canada’s dangerous offender laws. This paper details the proposed …, 2011/01/01

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responses special-needs-offenders
Response to High Risk Offender Proposals (1997)The John Howard Society of Canada’s response to Bill C- 55, amendments to the Corrections …, 1997/01/01

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responses special-needs-offenders
Response to Proposed Corrections and Conditional Release Act (1992)Our response to Bill C-36, the proposed Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Details our position …, 1992/01/01

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post-imprisonment-and-aftercare responses
Response to Renewing Youth Justice (1997)Our response to the recommendations contained in Renewing Youth Justice, Thirteenth Report of the Standing …, 1997/01/01

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responses youth-justice
Response to the Alberta Summit on Justice (1998)“The current Canadian criminal justice system claims a number of goals, but the essence of …1998/01/01

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responses
Response to the Young Offenders Act Provincial Review (1994)Our response to the youth justice issues raised in the government of Alberta’s Discussion Document. …, 1994/01/01

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responses youth-justice
Restorative Justice (1997)A description of the concept of restorative justice. It examines the emergence of restorative justice …1997/01/01

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restorative-justice
Role of the Police (1997)An examination of the present roles and functions of police in society, the origin of …1997/01/01

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social-policy
RSTJ0101 – Restorative Justice: Introduction

(Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level) This document is a brief introduction to the topic …, 2011/07/01

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education restorative-justice
RSTJ0201 – Restorative Justice: Classroom Activities

(Intended For: Secondary Grade Level) This document contains a series of worksheets for use by students. …, 2011/07/01

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education restorative-justice
Sentencing in Canada (1999)A summary of the purpose and principles of sentencing and the range of sentencing options …1999/01/01

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sentences
Sex Offender Recidivism (1999)A briefing note providing information on the likelihood of recidivism, factors related to recidivism, success …1999/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
Sex Offender Treatment Programs (2002)“Although the number of convicted sex offenders grew from 2,768 in 1990 to 3,875 in …2002/01/01

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special-needs-offenders
Social Capital, Social Entrepreneurs and Safer Communities – Enabling Alberta’s Communities to Work Out Lasting Solutions (2008)This paper examines recent developments in our understanding of social capital, social capital markets and …2008/01/01

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social-policy
The John Howard Society’s Programs (1999)An outline of the active role Alberta John Howard Societies play in the criminal justice …1999/01/01

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the-john-howard-society
the john Howard Society’s Programs (2001)An outline of the active role Alberta John Howard Societies play in the criminal justice …2001/01/01

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the-john-howard-society
Understanding Criminal Records (2000)This document provides ind ividuals working in the criminal justice system with information about criminal …2000/01/01

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guides
Victim Impact Statements (1997)A discussion of the use of written or oral submissions from crime victims describing the …1997/01/01

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social-policy
Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs (1998)A literature review examining the benefits and practice of victim offender reconciliation programs. Download1998/01/01

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restorative-justice
Women and Violence (2001)2001/01/01

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social-policy
YCJA0101 – Introduction to the Youth Criminal Justice Act

Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level The Overview is intended to provide a basic working …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0102 – The Youth Criminal Justice Act Handbook

Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level The Handbook offers more information and goes into greater …, , 2012/01/01

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education guides ycja
YCJA0204 – Legal Rights: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Sections 7-14

Intended For: Teachers, Secondary Grade Level This document contains the full text of Sections 7-14 …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0205 – Legal Rights: Questions

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level These questions can be used for individual student examination of …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0206 – Legal Rights: Activities

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level Contains suggested extension activities and links to online information and …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0207 – Legal Rights: Rules and Laws

(Intended For: Elementary Grade Level) This document contains student pages and a teacher’s edition of the …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0208 – Legal Rights: Court Diagram

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This document contains student pages and a teacher’s edition of …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0209 – Exploring the YCJA: Scope and Principle

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This document contains student pages and a teacher’s edition of …, 2013/01/01

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education ycja
YCJA0210 – Exploring the YCJA: Rights & Responsibilities – Police Contact

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This page outlines student rights and responsibilities when they encounter …, 2010/10/01

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education ycja
YCJA0211 – Exploring the YCJA: Measures, Courts, Detention, Sentencing

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This document gives students the fundamental details of the Act. …, 2011/02/01

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education ycja
YCJA0212 – Exploring the YCJA: Publication and Records

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This document can be used for independent study or group …, 2010/10/01

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education ycja
YCJA0213 – Exploring the YCJA: Case Studies and Role Playing

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level In these case studies, students are presented with many youth …, 2010/10/01

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education ycja
YCJA0214 – Exploring the YCJA: Youth Judicial Process Flowchart & Questions

Intended For: Secondary Grade Level This activity offers visual support for students to follow the …, 2010/10/01

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education ycja
Youth Crime in Canada: Public Perception vs. Statistical Information (1998)A comparison of public perceptions of youth crime and the official statistics. Recommendations for bridging …, 2011/01/01

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guides youth-justice
Youth Criminal Justice Act Handbook (2007)An earlier verson of our handbook for understanding the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A more …, 2007/01/01

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guides youth-justice
Youth Criminal Justice Act Roundtable: Submission of John Howard Societies in Alberta (May 21, 2008)“The YCJA came into force on April 01, 2003, which means that now, 5 years …, 2008/05/21

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responses youth-justice
Youth Justice Committees in Alberta (1999)An examination of the composition and function of Youth Justice Committees in Alberta. Specific operating …1999/01/01

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youth-justice
Youth Justice Committees in Alberta (2007)An examination of the composition and function of Youth Justice Committees in Alberta. Specific operating …2007/01/01

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youth-justice

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John Howard Society of Alberta
6909 - 116 St.
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T6H 4P2