Draft:John Howard Society of Ottawa

John Howard Society of Ottawa

The John Howard Society of Ottawa

Named after	John Howard
Formation	1951 (1951)
Type	Nonprofit
Purpose	Criminal justice reform prison reform prisoner support
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario
Location	Ottawa,Ontario, Canada
Website	https://johnhoward.on.ca/ottawa/

The John Howard Society of Ottawa is a Canadian non-profit organization that seeks to develop understanding and effective responses to the problem of crime and prison reform. It is named after John Howard, a philanthropist and early English prison reformer. The society works with adults, children, and youths to help rebuild their lives.

Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

The mission statement of the John Howard Society of Ottawa is to promote effective, just, and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime​​.

The mission of JHS Ottawa is to promote compassionate and practical reforms to the law, support reintegration of individuals leaving incarceration, and raise awareness of the root causes of crime. The organization envisions a society where justice is equitable, humane, and effective, ensuring the fair treatment of all individuals affected by the criminal justice system.

Programs and Services

JHS Ottawa provides a wide range of evidence-based programs and services tailored to meet the needs of individuals and communities affected by the criminal justice system. These include:

• Youth Services: Programs focused on helping youth develop life skills, avoid criminal activities, and achieve their full potential.
• Reintegration Services: Support for individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life, including job training, housing assistance, and mental health services.
• Family Support: Assistance for families navigating the criminal justice system, providing resources and guidance to cope with the challenges they face.
• Prevention Programs: Initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse, to prevent criminal behavior before it starts.
• Advocacy: Efforts to promote equitable policies and raise awareness about issues within the criminal justice system.

History

The John Howard Society was founded in Ontario in the early 20th century, inspired by the legacy of John Howard, an 18th-century prison reformer. The Ottawa office has been a part of this network since 1951, adapting its services to meet the unique needs of the local population while maintaining the core values of the Society. Over the decades, JHS Ottawa has evolved to address emerging issues within the criminal justice system, continuously striving for reforms that enhance justice and human dignity.

Notable Achievements

JHS Ottawa has had initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism, promoting restorative justice, and advocating for the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. Some of its notable achievements include:

• The establishment of comprehensive reintegration programs that significantly reduce the likelihood of re-offense.
• Advocacy for policy changes that support the fair treatment of marginalized groups within the criminal justice system.
• Implementation of innovative prevention programs that address the social determinants of crime.

References

John Howard Society