Effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.

Methods

In furtherance of its Mission, the Society:

• works with people who have come into conflict with the law,

• reviews, evaluates and advocates for changes in the criminal justice process,

• engages in public education on matters relating to criminal law and its application,

• promotes crime prevention through community and social development activities, and

• buys, constructs, holds, leases or rents such properties as many be necessary to advance the aims of the Society.

Principles

The following principles reflect the values and guide the activities of the Society across Canada.

1.       People have the right to live in a safe and peaceful society as well as a responsibility implied by this right to respect the law.

2.       Every person has intrinsic worth and the right to be treated with dignity, equity, fairness and compassion without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability when involved with the criminal justice process.

3.       All people have the potential to become responsible citizens.

4.       Every person has the right and the responsibility to be informed about, and involved in, the criminal justice process.

5.       Justice is best served through measures that resolve conflicts, repair harm, and restore peaceful relations in society.

6.       Independent, autonomous non government voluntary organizations have a vital role in the criminal justice process.

Additional values of the John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan

JHSCSO adheres to a system of values that guides all interactions with our clients, their families, other service providers and the community as a whole.

These values include:               

• Belief in the capacity of people to grow and change;

• Treatment of each client with dignity and respect in a non-judgmental manner;

• Respect for legal, human, privacy and service rights of each person;

• Belief in the least intrusive and appropriate interventions based on the strengths and needs of the client;

• Belief that clients have the right to self-determination, to participate in decisions, to make informed choices and to act on their own behalf;

• Commitment to work in partnership with other professionals and stakeholder involved with the person served.