October 2023

St. Leonard’s Community Support, Prevention and Residential Services

Mission Statement 

St. Leonard’s Community Support, Prevention, and Residential Services promotes  
accountability for youth and adults within the community and criminal justice system from prevention to intervention, by endorsing restorative justice principles, providing structured and supportive atmosphere, and assisting in the reintegration of persons into the community as law-abiding citizens; ultimately reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.  

Vision 

We aspire to assist and enable youth and adults who are, or at risk of being, in conflict with the law, to restore their self-confidence and self-worth by building a foundation of dynamic partnerships that result in effective, responsive, and accessible programs for at-risk populations.  

Values 

Developing a moral code that guides each decision and action, while allowing it to be  
adaptable and evolve as personal growth requires.

Leading by example, taking responsibility for one’s actions, to demonstrate to our clients and our co-workers that we are all accountable to our actions.

Respect for oneself and others, valuing diversity and unique contributions, fostering a  
trusting, open and inclusive environment and treating each person in a manner that reflects SLCSPRS’ values.

Continuous learning: We not only strive to educate clients but continually seek new and informative sources for our own knowledge. 

Respect and cooperation are not a requirement, it is simply a product of our environment.   

We recognize the importance of working together and believe every voice should be heard.

Empathy, we show that we care for each other through decisions, actions, and words, and commit to praising and thanking one another for work well done.  

Board of Directors 

St. Leonard’s Community Support, Prevention and Residential Services extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Directors for their invaluable guidance and support over the past year. Your leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving our organization’s achievement and progress. Your trust empowers us to overcome challenges, and your commitment to accountability ensures our transparency and integrity.

As we look to the future, we are confident that with your continued support, we can build on our successes and address the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Linda Seeley -Chair

Tom Deakin – Vice Chair

Wayne Speck – Treasurer/Secretary

Phil Howlett – Board Member

Shawn Rushlow – Board Member

Christina Detlor – Board Member

St. Leonard’s bids farewell to John Boulton, Chair. He has been an integral part of the board since our amalgamation, providing invaluable insight and leadership during his tenure. Thank you, John, for your time, effort, and wisdom.

We are pleased to welcome Linda Seeley, as the new Board Chair for St. Leonard’s. Linda brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. We are thankful she is at the helm.

From the Director 

I am pleased to share this note and report on the occasion of our Annual General meeting. As we reflect on the past year’s achievement and chart our course for the future, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued dedication and hard work.

The past year has been a testament to our collective resilience and commitment to our mission. We have faced unprecedented challenges, from a pandemic to shifting economic landscapes, staff turnover and insufficient funding, and yet, we have remained strong and more determined than ever.

Kelly Nolan,

Executive Director 

Financials

Stats

The numbers below are counted from Apr. 01/22 through to Mar. 31/23. 

	New Referrals/Days Served	Total Clients Served	Target
Partially Funded
Intersections	122	162	N/A
Fee-for-Service
Youthreach	797	797	N/A
MCCSS
PASS+	46	48	58
Youthreach	110	115	24
Extrajudicial Measures	13	16	12
Youth Justice Committee	10	14	2
Extrajudicial Sanctions	31	45	31
Reintegration (Comm. & Res.)	12	22	14
Attendance Centre	35	50	30
Custody	623	51	20
Detention	1324	4	20
SOLGEN
Adult CSO	N/A	82	70.5
Total Clients Served		1404

Residential

It has been yet another busy year at the residence here in Trenton. Over the year we serviced fifty-five young men total. Fifty-one detention youth and four custody youth. Custody youth were here for a total of 623 days while Detention youth were here for 1,324 days.  The total days in care was 1,947 days.
We are seeing youth from all over, out of region and a significant number of level downs from secure detention. The clients we serve continue to be more complex with higher needs and we often find ourselves, and the program being utilized as social housing as resources for this population has not been secured.
We have had another year of high turnover with staff. It is becoming more and more difficult to recruit, hire and retain staff. There are many factors that are a contribution to this but mostly wages. Working in youth justice isn’t for everyone and there are many opportunities out there that have a higher start wage, less responsibilities and significantly less risk. It’s a tough battle.
The staff that are here are dedicated. We’ve had great support from our director and appreciate the push she’s lead toward the ministry to try and make some changes and get some changes made to benefit transfer payment agencies.
The future is unknown but is promising with opportunities and good leadership.
 

Community

Intersections

Intersections is an evidence-informed, early intervention program that focuses on navigation and coordination of services for young people who are at risk of becoming justice-involved. Intersections help police redirect children, young individuals and/or their families to the right support, by the right provider, at the right time. Intersections is not an alternative to diversion; not a way to fast track waiting lists; not a mandatory program; and not a crisis response program.
Intersections continued to be a valuable prevention program within the community with 162 youth receiving services.  Despite efforts and the on-going need for the program, consistent funding was not found and services under Intersections ended as of Mar. 31/23. 
Staff: Kyle Binnie (Coordinator/Facilitator), Haley Ruttan (Facilitator), Erin Brinklow (Resigned Facilitator)

Positive Alternative Student Support (PASS) 

PASS (Belleville & Trenton locations) accepts students 12-17 years of age, for up to 20 days, and focuses on continuous learning and relevant life skill development in support of a smooth return to school. The program aims to support students in safe, structured learning environments which provide one-to-one support from a qualified Educational Assistant. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace to achieve success.
Starting in September 2022, PASS looked to reinvent itself to offer full day programming, free breakfast and lunch to students, recreational activities, life skills development, and exploration of healthy hobbies and past times.  The transition was difficult due to challenging behaviors, conflicting personalities, widespread disengagement, inadequate staffing, and a lack of meaningful consequences for misbehavior.  By second semester the school board reduced referrals and began to look towards an in-house program alternative. 
HPEDSB Staff: Cindy Henderson and Darleen Lewis

Youthreach

Youthreach includes prevention programs for youth, 12-17 years of age, who may be having trouble at home or school or socializing with a negative peer group, displaying low self-esteem and/or be at risk of committing an offence. Programs incorporate videos, guest speakers, and interactive activities on topics affecting teens today, aimed at enhancing the lives of the youth. It is a safe non-judgmental program that offers real talk with real answers and allows each youth to bring their own feelings, experiences, and emotions to the group.
In June 2022 Kyle and Haley started their first presentations in the schools and provided programming on Boundaries & Consent to 123 students in one month.  During the following school year within our fiscal year, Oct. 2022 – March 31/23, 674 additional students benefitted from our in-school programming.   
An application was submitted to the United Way of HPE in the Fall of 2022 to support the Youthreach program with 1 FTE.  This application was successful with funding for April 01/23.
Staff: Kyle Binnie (Coordinator/Facilitator), Haley Ruttan (Facilitator), Erin Brinklow (Resigned Facilitator), and Michael Reive (Canada Summer Job hire)

Extrajudicial Measures  

EJM is an alternative to formal court proceedings under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, as a pre-charge police referral. Clients participate in information-based programming relating to their offences and consistent with their risk factors for reoffending. Additional requirements may include a letter of apology or offer reparation in the form of restitution or community service work.
EJM, along with all other Diversion programs, were extremely busy, all going over service targets. Service areas were expanded to allow all areas access to all Diversion programs. In addition to the busy year, Youth Diversion experienced another change in staffing.  This is the third year in a row. Many thanks to Coordinator Rhonda for keeping the program stable, valuable, and available to the community. 
Staff: Rhonda Lummiss-McCleery (Coordinator), Maryann Lupenette (Resigned Facilitator), Jordan Janes (Facilitator)

The Belleville & District Youth Justice Committee  

The B&DYJC is an alternative approach outside the traditional court system which aims to repair the harm done by a young person to those who have been harmed. The volunteer Committee Members play an essential part in restoring relationships between the person(s) harmed, the young person, and the community. Referrals to the Committee are made by police (Pre-Charge) or by the Crown Attorney (Post-Charge).
Volunteers: Brian Vincentine, Patrick Mulvihill, Maureen Vincentine, Julie Lesage, MaryAnn Brooymans, Darlene Brennan, Judy Graham, Marlene Pollock, Sally Fremr, and SK Bishop
Staff: Rhonda Lummiss-McCleery (Coordinator)

Extrajudicial Sanctions 

The EJS program is an alternative to formal court proceedings, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. EJS allows a young person to take responsibility for their (post-charge) offence without being sentenced by a Judge. Clients participate in information-based programming relating to their offences and consistent with their risk factors for reoffending. Additional requirements may include a letter of reflection or offer reparation in the form of restitution or community service work.
Staff: Rhonda Lummiss-McCleery (Coordinator), Maryann Lupenette (Resigned Facilitator), Jordan Janes (Facilitator)

Reintegration

Reintegration Workers act as mentors and advocates in support of rehabilitation and reintegration for youth, 12-17 years of age. They assist the youth to overcome personal obstacles such as emotional and academic concerns, navigating community resources, creating a resume, job search, obtaining I.D. and basic life skills. This work is all done in support of the youth complying with a court order. In addition, transportation needs can be supported under the Reintegration program.
Staff: Kyle Binnie (Coordinator/Facilitator), Haley Ruttan (Facilitator), Erin Brinklow (Resigned Facilitator)

Attendance Centre

The Attendance Centre offers evidence-based programming to youth on probation aged 12-17 years. Our one-to-one facilitation aims to directly address criminogenic factors identified by a Risk/Needs Assessment, and where possible, address the underlying factors which disrupt positive growth. We empower youth to be responsible young adults, challenge them to examine their thinking and decision-making, assist in further development of their strengths, and teach new skills in order for them to reach their personal goals and avoid future involvement with the youth justice system.
This year was a highly successful year in that a total of 50 clients received services.  Much of this success was due to a new initiative to provide services to Kingston Youth Probation.  Out of area youth were provided virtual programming to the same effect as traditional in-person clients.  Additionally, a program group was offered to the Residential program. 
Staff: Stacey Egan (Coordinator/Facilitator), Jody Bain (Facilitator)

Community Service Order (CSO)  

The Community Service Order program, frequently referred to as the CSO program, is St Leonard’s only program that works exclusively with adult clients.  Clients are ordered by the court to perform community service hours as a condition of their Probation Order. This is usually done by placing, monitoring, and supporting their progress while performing their CSO hours at not-for-profit-organizations/agencies within the community. Placements are determined by several factors: the client’s interest, skills, work schedule and transportation.
The SLCSPRS (previously COSP) CSO program has always been a successful one, greatly due to its staff.  This year was no exception. However, following COVID-19 it’s funding Ministry, SOLGEN, chose not to renew historical contracts and to put them out for tender.  SLCSPRS did submit a bid, sadly it was not successful and the CSO program closed as of March 31/23. 
Staff: Cindy Henderson