Significant Progress
Way Forward Commitment:
Our Government, in partnership with community stakeholders, will implement justice and public safety measures that are responsive to the public’s needs, including establishing a Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program and piloting a Drug Treatment Court. The Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program will provide victims of sexual assault with free and independent legal advice to improve a victim’s understanding of the court process and allow for better preparation and access to justice. Drug Treatment Courts exist to address the underlying causes of certain non-violent, drug-motivated crimes and to reduce the number of crimes committed to support drug addictions. Our government has completed a feasibility study for the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court. Following on the recommendations of that study, in 2018-19 our government will pilot a new Drug Treatment Court in St. John’s. As this is a pilot project, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court and the feasibility of expanding it to other areas of the province.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- On June 19, 2018, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with federal support and in collaboration with community stakeholders, launched the Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program to help break down the barriers victims may face when encountering the justice system. People who have experienced sexual violence can contact trained staff who will assess and work with the individual’s particular needs and experiences and can provide supportive referrals to a trauma-informed lawyer.
- As part of this program, the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) have recruited 21 lawyers throughout the province to provide legal advice to survivors referred by this program. Lawyers have completed training on working with survivors through a trauma-informed lens, and have been assessed and screened by PLIAN and NLSACPC.
- The Drug Treatment Court feasibility study was completed and the recommendations were assessed. With federal support, the pilot Drug Treatment Court is expected to be implemented in fall 2018. The Drug Treatment Court Pilot is intended for offenders with serious drug addictions who commit non-violent, drug motivated offences and aim to reduce the number of crimes committed to support drug addictions. The court will bring together treatment services for substance abuse and the criminal justice system to deal more effectively with the drug-addicted offender.
- Budget 2018 includes $200,000 to establish a pilot Drug Treatment Court.
- On November 22, the Provincial Government announced the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court in St. John’s that will commence hearing matters on November 30, 2018.
News Releases:
Feasibility Study Continues on Drug Treatment Court
Minister Parsons Announces Drug Treatment Court for St. John’s
Provincial Government Partners with Community Groups to Support Victims of Sexual Violence
Legal Support Now Available to Survivors of Sexual Violence
New Drug Treatment Court to Begin Accepting Cases
Survivors of Sexual Violence Receiving Much Needed Legal Support