Community and Justice Services
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1206
- Credential TypeOntario College Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- Delivery ModeIn Class, On Line, and Hybrid
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailcommunitystudiesprogress@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology RequirementsCareerExplorerPlugin
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Faculty Bios
- Facebook Page
- Watch Our Mock Court Video
- Advising Services
- Indigenous Studies
If you're fascinated with law and crime and want to help at-risk people and communities, the Community and Justice Services program is for you.
Facilitated by the School of Community and Health Studies, Community and Justice Services courses will help you to gain the expert knowledge and practical skills to work in diverse settings that address youth and adult populations that are at risk, currently incarcerated involved with the criminal justice system, or involved in rehabilitation programs.
In this diploma program, emphasis will be placed on:
- Prevention, intervention and rehabilitative strategies
- Practical communication
- Treatment approaches
- Group dynamics
- Program development and facilitation
- Case management and security skills
This program will include more than 400 hours of placement in and around the Greater Toronto Area in organizations such as; jails, group homes, community centres, courthouses and schools.
Please note:
- This program is taught using a combination of modalities. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended/hybrid combination of both online and traditional classroom teaching.
- A minimum grade of C (60 per cent) is required to pass all courses in this program, including GNED and COMM.
As a Community and Justice Services graduate, you'll demonstrate the ability to:
-
communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.
-
employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
-
intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.c
-
collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
-
assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry standards and/or certification.
-
develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment.
-
engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
-
apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
-
develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.
-
work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.
-
assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
-
promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.
-
propose innovative solutions to address gaps in programs/services in the criminal justice sector through collaborations with community partners.
-
discuss how to engage in decolonizing actions within the professions of Community and Justice Services in the collective pursuit of reconciliation.
Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
You'll develop a portfolio documenting your engagement with the College's signature Global Citizenship and Equity (GC&E) competencies. For more information on GC&E, the GC&E portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit //www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/college-overview/signature-learning-experience.
Program Overview
If you're fascinated with law and crime and want to help at-risk people and communities, the Community and Justice Services program is for you.
Facilitated by the School of Community and Health Studies, Community and Justice Services courses will help you to gain the expert knowledge and practical skills to work in diverse settings that address youth and adult populations that are at risk, currently incarcerated involved with the criminal justice system, or involved in rehabilitation programs.
In this diploma program, emphasis will be placed on:
- Prevention, intervention and rehabilitative strategies
- Practical communication
- Treatment approaches
- Group dynamics
- Program development and facilitation
- Case management and security skills
This program will include more than 400 hours of placement in and around the Greater Toronto Area in organizations such as; jails, group homes, community centres, courthouses and schools.
Please note:
- This program is taught using a combination of modalities. Courses may be delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended/hybrid combination of both online and traditional classroom teaching.
- A minimum grade of C (60 per cent) is required to pass all courses in this program, including GNED and COMM.
As a Community and Justice Services graduate, you'll demonstrate the ability to:
-
communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.
-
employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
-
intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.c
-
collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
-
assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry standards and/or certification.
-
develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment.
-
engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
-
apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
-
develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.
-
work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.
-
assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
-
promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.
-
propose innovative solutions to address gaps in programs/services in the criminal justice sector through collaborations with community partners.
-
discuss how to engage in decolonizing actions within the professions of Community and Justice Services in the collective pursuit of reconciliation.
Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
You'll develop a portfolio documenting your engagement with the College's signature Global Citizenship and Equity (GC&E) competencies. For more information on GC&E, the GC&E portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit //www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/college-overview/signature-learning-experience.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Organizations that have hired program graduates include:
- Correctional Services Canada
- Springboard Services
- Ministry of the Solicitor General
- Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
- Ministry of the Attorney General
- Salvation Army
- Toronto District School Board
- Toronto Bail Program
- Kennedy House Youth Services
- Fernie House Youth Services
Program Highlights
- Active participation in the Community and Justice Services program is essential as you'll learn counselling, case management, risk assessment, care and control, and crisis and suicide intervention skills.
- You'll develop a professional portfolio.
- The third and fourth semesters will include field placements two days a week, with the other three days spent in class.
- The Community and Justice Services program has forged connections to the field that will provide you with an exceptional field placement learning experience and employment opportunities.
- Hands-on experience, work with diverse client groups in a variety of settings, and exposure to the criminal justice and community services field will open doors to the employment market.
Career Outlook
- Youth Worker
- Correctional Officer
- Youth Services Officer
- Police Officer
- Bail Officer
- Court Officer
- Program Facilitator
- Agency/Institution Supervisor
- Youth Counsellor
- Outreach Worker
- Child/Adult Advocate
- Probation and Parole Officer (with degree)
- Victim Services and other higher level positions in federal/provincial institutions.
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Community and Justice Services diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Professional Associations
- Canadian Criminal Justice Association
- Criminal Justice Association of Ontario
Recognitions
- Several President's Recognition Awards for Student, Graduate and Employer Satisfaction
- 3 full-time faculty members have been nominated for the Wicken Teaching Excellence Award
Placement Partners
Community and Justice Services Field Placement partners include: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Ministry of Solicitor General, Correctional Services of Canada, Ministry of the Attorney General, Springboard Services, Kennedy House Youth Services, Frontenac Youth Services, Salvation Army, Elizabeth Fry Society, John Howard Society, Toronto District School Board, Durham Regional School Board, York Regional School Board, Peel Regional School Board, Child and Family Native Services, Murray McKinnon Foundation,Fernie House Youth Services
Areas of Employment
Areas of EmploymentAdmission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
Additional Requirements
Field Placement Requirements
Field Placement RequirementsHow to Apply
1. Apply Online
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,375.33 | $4,096.33 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,873.28 | $19,021.28 |
Vocational Learning Outcomes
Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.
- Employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
- Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.
- Collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
- Assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry standards and/or certification.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment.
- Engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
- Apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
- Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.
- Work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.
- Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
- Promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.
- Propose innovative solutions to address gaps in programs/services in the criminal justice sector through collaborations with community partners.
- Discuss how to engage in decolonizing actions within the professions of Community and Justice Services in the collective pursuit of reconciliation.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies, and legislation.
- Employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.
- Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth, and personal development.
- Collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
- Assist in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry standards and/or certification.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional, and safe working environment.
- Engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.
- Apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.
- Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry, and reflection.
- Work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others, and relevant legislation, policies, and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.
- Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.
- Promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.
- Propose innovative solutions to address gaps in programs/services in the criminal justice sector through collaborations with community partners.
- Discuss how to engage in decolonizing actions within the professions of Community and Justice Services in the collective pursuit of reconciliation.
Watch Our Mock Court Video
Advising Services
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-Brandon Ramdial - Community and Justices Services, Graduate, 2016The Community and Justice Services program has provided me with an abundance of knowledge, skills and experiences to help me advance into the field of corrections and criminal justice.
With the integration of field placements, along with diverse faculty from various areas of the industry, the program has equipped me to become a proactive, mature leader within my desired field and an active learner throughout my career. The Community and Justice Services program transformed me from a simple student to a global citizen with a strong desire to combat injustice and help others succeed.
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