Community and Justice Services

How To Apply

Students enrolled in this program are eligible to register for our Specialized Academic Certificate, Indigenous Knowledges: First Peoples in Canada, and earn an additional credential. A fee may apply. For more information, click here.

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 Greater Toronto Area 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, COMM and ENGL.

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.

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 Greater Toronto Area 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, COMM and ENGL.

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

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

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

Successful 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. isted below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.

Please note that each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.

Partner Institution	Degree Program
Algoma University	Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
	Bachelor of Arts or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Community, Economic and Social Development
	Bachelor of Arts or Honours Bachelor of Arts - Law and Justice
	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors
Athabasca University	Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Conestoga College	Honours Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice
Georgian College	Honours Bachelor of Human Services in Police Studies
Guelph-Humber, University of	Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice and Public Safety (for professionals)
Guelph-Humber, University of	Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Justice Studies
Humber College	Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice
	Honours Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
	Bachelor of Behavioural Science
Lakehead University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in Any majors
Lakehead University	Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Criminology
Laurentian University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors
Nipissing University	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Corrections stream)
Nipissing University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors
Ontario Tech University	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice
	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
Ottawa, University of	Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Seneca Polytechnic	Honours Bachelor of Crime and Intelligence Analysis
Toronto Metropolitan University	Bachelor of Health Administration degree completion
Toronto Metropolitan University	Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies
Trent University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing and Community Well-being
Trent University	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
Wilfrid Laurier University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors
Windsor, University of	Honours Bachelor of Arts - Disability Studies for CAAT Graduates
York University	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors
	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Health Studies (3- or 4-year)
	Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Social Science
	Honours Bachelor of Public Administration

Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.

For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.

Educational Partners

Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in pathway programs with partnering institutions. These pathway programs allow you to receive degree credit for learning obtained at Centennial College. Our partners include:

York University
Athabasca University
Ontario Tech University Advanced Entry Programs

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

With program emphasis on prevention, intervention and rehabilitation, you will be extremely marketable and in demand. As a Community and Justice Services graduate, you will possess the skills and knowledge you need for a career with at-risk populations (in the community and custodial settings), including involvement with gangs, addictions, criminal activity, lack of community support and services, institutionalization, and more.

Admission 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

English language proficiency

Field Placement Requirements

After admission, but prior to attending Field Placement:

Most Field Placement agencies require a police reference check (CPIC), including a Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS), a standard first aid certificate and/or a medical certificate attesting to good health. Certain criminal convictions may prevent a placement opportunity in these agencies/institutions and program completion may not be possible as a result.

Any questions regarding criminal reference checks may be directed to the program contact by calling 416-289-5303.

How to Apply

1. Apply Online

If you are applying through the Second Career Strategy, please apply at the Employment Training Centre for Second Career (Progress Campus). Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Second Career Strategy.

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 2024.

Student	Tuition (2 Semesters)	Ancillary Fees	Total
Canadian	$2,721.00	$1,177.34	$3,898.34
International	$16,649.00	$1,665.52	$18,314.52

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

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.

Faculty Bios

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/schools/school-of-community-and-health-studies/meet-the-school-of-community-and-health-studies-teams/meet-the-community-studies-team/community-and-justice-services-faculty/

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/communityandjusticeservices/

Watch Our Mock Court Video

https://www.youtu.be/ch8R59pVBdY

Advising Services

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/student-life/student-services/centennial-advising-and-pathways-services/

Indigenous Studies

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/programs-courses/schools/school-of-advancement/programs/stackable-credentials/indigenous-studies-first-peoples-in-canada-certificate/

Community and Justice Services

How To Apply

Child and Youth Care (Online)

Developmental Services Worker