JSTICE – REACH Niagara

JSTICE

Overview

JSTICE – Justice System Transitional Integrative Care and Empowerment is a collaborative program with community partners across the Niagara Region to offer comprehensive care and wraparound support to individuals who are transitioning from the justice system.

Re-integration is a critical time for these individuals and REACH Niagara is there to support and provide physical and mental healthcare, with a focus on addictions, through our team of caring professionals.

Who is the program for?

JSTICE is designed to help those who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing and who are leaving the justice system or who have a history of justice system involvement. The project also accounts for people belonging to groups that have other factors of health and well being, including those who are:

18+ in age
Indigenous
Racialized
2SLGBTQIA+
History of substance use and overdose
Engaged in sex work
Have acute health care needs
Experiencing homelessness (and temporary housing)
Who are incarcerated or at risk of re-incarceration or being released to Niagara

These issues create significant barriers for accessible healthcare and integrated services that address health and social needs of the target population. Barriers are further exacerbated by stigma and emotional strain on the client, from being in and navigating the justice system. All of this leads to inconsistent care coordination and limited understanding of available resources by both service providers and clients, which undermines successful reintegration efforts and can increase risks of re-incarceration, relapse, overdose or death of the individual.

How can you access the program?

If you are Interested in being part of the JSTICE program, or you know someone who may be a good fit you can:

Contact admin@reachniagara.com for a referral form
Speak to your current REACH Case Manager or the REACH staff member you’re currently connected with
Speak to your current case manager from your current social service provider so they can connect with REACH Niagara on your behalf
Connect with REACH staff in person at one of our clinics.

JSTICE Case Managers will be doing outreach at current REACH Niagara clinics, shelters, encampment sites to connect with potential clients.

Please email admin@reachniagara.com for more information.

What are the benefits

Key JSTICE involvement benefits include:

Reduced recidivism
Access to Primary Care, Mental and Addictions Care,
Peer Support to help navigate re-integration
Connection with system navigation and housing supports as well as continuity of care to help ease transition into your next steps.
Client-centred approach where an individual can play an active role in their reintegration and progress toward stability

This initiative was funded by a contribution from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.