Information about programs and services
June 7, 2021
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to transparency during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
- The Department of Justice and Public Safety will continue to provide regular updates to the public and our clients regarding disruptions or delays to programs and services.
- Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees and our clients.
- The Provincial Government will continue to monitor and where necessary implement protocols required to contain the virus. For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19
Policing
RNC
All Royal Newfoundland Constabulary locations are closed to the public for non-emergencies in order to limit contact within the community. If you have an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. To report a non-emergency or if you have a general inquiry call your local detachment. Requests for criminal records screening certificates and/or vulnerable sector checks can now be made online
Criminal Fingerprinting Services are suspended at this time. If you have been given a document that compels you to appear at the RNC for the purposes of fingerprinting and photography in a criminal matter, it is your obligation to call the fingerprinting office at 709-729-8142 to reschedule your appointment for a time when the office has re-opened.
RCMP
Front counter services have resumed at all RCMP detachments and Headquarters. Services include; certificates of conduct, criminal records checks, vulnerable sector checks and fingerprinting. Members of the public are reminded to adhere to public health measures, including the wearing of masks. Local detachments can be reached at the numbers listed here. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Fire and Emergency Services
All offices are closed to the public. Emergency management partners, municipalities, and fire departments should continue to call 709-729-3703 for assistance. In the event of an emergency please call 9-1-1.
Guidelines for Fire Departments Operating in COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 & 4
Law Courts
Courts are operating with restrictions to ensure compliance with guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Detailed information is available at www.court.nl.ca
Family Justice Services
Information for families with a custody and access order or agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Family Justice Services offers services that assist families in resolving custody, access or child support issues outside of the court process. While offices are currently closed to the public, mediation services are still being provided. Those with appointments scheduled will be contacted by their mediator. Should you have any questions you may call the main office nearest you during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), and staff will endeavor to return your call within 24 hours.
These are challenging times and many families are seeking information relating to custody and access orders issued by the courts as well as agreements. The current COVID-19 situation does not change the court order or agreement and it is not a reason to deny parenting time. Court orders and agreements cannot be varied unless by mutual consent of the parties or by further order of the court.
For further information for families with a custody, access or support order or agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit Family Justice Services or call 709-729-1183 (Avalon); 709-256-1205 (Central); or 709-634-4174 (Western/Labrador).
If your child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or your local police detachment.
Support Enforcement
The Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety performs a number of services related to the collection and distribution of court-ordered funds for support, maintenance or alimony. Payors who have lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to continue paying support. Please call 709-637-2608 to speak to the officer assigned to your file and allow two business days for your call to be returned.
For up-to-date information on account balances, payments and enforcement please use the web portal. We thank you for your continued patience during these extraordinary times.
Victim Services
Victim Services offices remain closed to the public. Victim Services Regional Coordinators are available by phone and email during business hours to provide essential services. If you require assistance, please contact the coordinator you are working with or the office nearest you to discuss services. Messages are being monitored and will be returned based on priority for services.
To contact an office near you go to www.victimserviceshelp.ca. The Domestic Violence Help Line is available province-wide by calling 1-888-709-7090. If you require emotional support call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668.
In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid offices are closed to the public so there will be no in-person appointments at this time. Client needs are being addressed by phone and/or electronic means. If you require urgent assistance please call 1-800-563-9911 for further direction.
Please contact the Legal Aid NL office in your area to discuss your needs.
Public Prosecutions
Crown Attorneys are now attending court for criminal proceedings on a regular basis. Remote appearances by phone or video are being arranged where circumstances permit and/or when there is a need to reduce the number of people in court.
Counter service at offices across the province is by appointment only. For further direction contact your regional office.
The Office of the High Sheriff
Currently operating at reduced capacity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the High Sheriff is closed to the public.
Court security continues to be provided to the Law Courts of Newfoundland and Labrador as required.
The Office is accepting mail/courier deliveries but is not accepting cash as a form of payment, but rather bank draft, certified cheque, money order or credit card authorization. Should you need to speak to someone directly, please call 709-729-4646, you can also visit the website. Inquiries will be responded to as quickly as possible.
Civil Division
Civil Law is responsible for providing legal services to government departments and agencies. Civil Division lawyers and support staff are maintaining full legal service operations.
Until further notice is provided, for information related to the service of documents related to child protection or adult protection matters, please contact Jacqueline Pelletier, Q.C. at jpelletier@gov.nl.ca to make arrangements.
If you wish to serve documents related to other civil matters on Her Majesty in right of Newfoundland and Labrador, (not related to Family Court) please contact Philip Osborne at philiposborne@gov.nl.ca or Justin Mellor at jmellor@gov.nl.ca to make arrangements.
Corrections
All visitation and in-person programming offered by external facilitators has been temporarily suspended at correctional facilities and inmate movement is being minimized.
Probation
Probation offices are currently closed to the public. Staff are monitoring voicemails and emails and will continue to respond to messages. If you are currently being supervised by an Adult Probation Officer, you are instructed to report by phone. If you have just received a new Court Order, you are required to call your Probation Officer for further reporting instructions. Phone numbers are posted at each Probation Office location and the main line numbers can be found here.
Voicemails will be accepted as phone reports in lieu of office reports until further notice.
Fines Administration
The Fines Administration Office at 50 Elizabeth Ave, St. John’s is open to the public for appointments only. Clients can call 729-0346 or 729-4156 to arrange an appointment time. To pay a fine by phone using a credit card call 709-729-0349 or pay online.
Office of the Public Trustee
Public access to the Office of the Public Trustee is by appointment only. Please call 709-729-0850 or email general@publictrusteenl.ca for assistance.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission is closed to the public with visits by appointment only. You can email the person assigned to your file or send general questions to humanrights@gov.nl.ca. Online forms are available at www.thinkhumanrights.ca.
ATIPP
Due to Covid-19, public bodies have reduced services provided to the public. Please be advised that if you submit an ATIPP request during this time, there may be delays in responding. Should you have any questions email ATIPPoffice@gov.nl.ca. Staff are working remotely, inquiries will be prioritized and responded to as capacity allows.