In Chatham, WAYS operates several non-residential, community-based programs that serve young people from age 12 to 17 who have come into conflict with the law. 

The broad objectives of the programs are to build safer communities by reducing crime through timely and effective intervention delivered in a supportive and educational manner.

For more information about Community Youth Justice Programs, contact WAYS at 519-354-2065 ext. 2216.

Attendance Centre

The Attendance Centre is run in partnership with Rain and Shine Behavioural Counselling Services. It is located in Chatham with satellite sites in Blenheim, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.

Through structured individual and group programs, youth are given opportunities to learn life skills, develop social skills, challenge thinking errors, enhance strengths, and address issues contributing to anti-social behaviour.

Programs include Anger Awareness, Thinking Straight, Stealing, Substance Abuse, Vandalism, Youth Violence, Values Training, Victim Awareness, Surviving Adolescence and Life Skills.

Youth are provided with educational and vocational supports.

Referrals for this program are either through Probation and/or ordered by a Judge.

Youth Alternatives Program

WAYS operates three Youth Alternatives Programs in Chatham-Kent:

Extrajudicial Measures is a pre-charge program that encourages youth to take responsibility for their actions.

Effective crime prevention and learning programs are provided on an individual and group basis. Youth are encouraged to recognize and develop their skills, abilities and strengths.

This program is used by both the Chatham Kent Police and Ontario Provincial Police - Chatham. Referrals can be made by either of these law enforcement agencies.

Extrajudicial Sanctions is a program that encourages rehabilitation and reconciliation. A youth receives an individualized sanction that reflects the nature of their offence.

Possible sanctions include an apology to the victim, restitution, performance of community volunteer service and/or involvement in crime prevention programs.

Whenever feasible, parents, families, victims and community members are involved so that societal values can be reinforced. As before, this program helps youth to recognize and develop their skills, abilities and strengths.

Referrals to this program can be made by the Crown Attorney and/or Probation.

Community Service Orders apply when a judge orders a youth to complete a defined number of Community Service hours. This program helps find appropriate community-based, individualized work placements. It also supports and supervises the youth throughout the placements. 

The underlying goals are to encourage personal and community responsibility and to make this a positive, learning experience for the youth.

Referrals for this program are made by a Judge.