New Division Enhancing the Delivery of Justice Services

The new Social Justice Division in the Justice Ministry is committed to providing a people-centred approach to the delivery of justice for victims of crime.

The Division houses three branches of the Ministry – Restorative Justice, Child Diversion and the Victim Services Branch. Speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, Principal Director of the Division, Jamie-Ann Chevannes, said that the services offered differ from what the courts provide.

“Generally, when persons think of justice or the court system, it is usually as a punitive arm. Offenders are punished and victims generally do not have the aftercare or support required for them.

“Through these services, we ensure that the victims, whether they are referred by any of the other branches or by the courts, can access the care and the psychological needs being attended to by the Victim Services Branch,” she said.

Ms. Chevannes pointed out that the services offered by the Division are free and align with the Ministry’s continued efforts to ensure access to justice for all Jamaicans.

She noted, for example, that through restorative justice services, individuals who may find court charges or lawyer fees prohibitive can actually walk into a restorative justice centre to get assistance if they feel that they have been victimised.

Turning to Child Diversion, Ms. Chevannes explained that the service “steers away our young children from the justice system where time and time again we would find that they would have records. This gives individuals the opportunity to take responsibility and we stress responsibility being different from admission of guilt”.

Cases are referred to the Diversion by the courts or the police, and a treatment plan is designed specific to the offence committed by the child.

“This gives the child the opportunity to go through a rehabilitative process and at the end, once it is referred back to the courts, that child will not have a record,” she pointed out.

“They won’t be held back because of an act they did when they were 12 or 13 years old. They will be adults who have gone through education and are bettering themselves and are able to get into certain spaces and to earn and become productive citizens,” Ms. Chevannes added.

For details on accessing the services of the Social Justice Division, persons can visit moj.gov.jm, call 888 JUSTICE (888-587-8423) or visit a Ministry of Justice office or restorative justice centre near you.