Gov’t Providing More Avenues for Persons to Access Justice Services

The new Social Justice Division in the Ministry of Justice stands as a testament to the Government’s commitment to increasing access to justice for Jamaicans.

Operationalised in March 2023, the Division, which comprises three branches – Restorative Justice (RJ), Child Diversion and Victim Services, is another avenue for the delivery of justice services outside of the courts.

It aims to promote peace and harmony in the society by providing healing and true resolution for victims, offenders, and communities affected by conflict.

Speaking to JIS News, Principal Director of the Division, Jamie-Ann Chevannes, says it is important for citizens to feel that they can participate in a system that is equitable in the delivery of justice.

“We wanted to ensure that each and every citizen, regardless of their age, socio-economic background, location, educational level or any attributing characteristics, that they cannot say ‘this has been a barrier for me in accessing justice’. All of that is removed,” she notes.

Along with accessibility, Ms. Chevannes says that diversifying the delivery of justice services is also key.

“Justice cannot be delivered in one set way. We must diversify our programmes to ensure that persons can get justice in the way that they see justice,” she notes. Child Diversion, which steers children who have committed offences away from the criminal justice system, is key in reducing the institutionalisation of children and placing them on a positive path.

Acting Director in the Child Diversion Branch, Venisa Clarke, notes that “the services are free and holistic, so they focus on the whole-person approach”.

She is advising parents and children who come into contact with the formal justice system to ask if offences can be referred to Child Diversion.

“So, instead of worrying about the punitive aspect, allow the child to be able to be rehabilitated in a way that will positively impact their future,” she says.

Ms. Clarke highlights the need for more persons to offer their services as mentors. The mentors are integral to the rehabilitation of child offenders, providing guidance and supervision to help curb their behaviour and address the issues that have been identified.

“Feel free to sign up for the Child Diversion Programme online. Once you are 18 years or older, you can sign up to be a mentor,” Ms. Clarke urges.
As it relates to RJ, Acting Director of the Branch, Saccsha Ebanks, says the focus is on achieving healing for both the victim and the community.

“If you have done something wrong and you are repentant and remorseful and you want to make things right with the person whom you have harmed, utilise Restorative Justice as the tool that will help you to not only repair the harm but restore the relationship,” she says.

She notes that the intervention aims to “separate the doer from the deed”. “We typically say you are not the worst thing you have ever done. That thing that you are most embarrassed about is not all that there is to you; you are more than that. So, we do not want persons to allow shame to be a barrier to accessing justice,” she says.

Meanwhile, Victim Services assists victims of crime to manage and cope with the associated emotional trauma.

Focus is placed on actively supporting victims, identifying their needs, and optimising their participation in the justice system.

Director of the Victim Services Branch, Dionne Dawn Binns, tells JIS News that the Branch operates and is guided by certain principles – confidentiality, neutrality operating in a standardised way and also upholding victims’ rights.

“The services that we provide are free of charge and accessible to all persons. I encourage citizens – don’t be afraid to reach out for help. We receive referrals through the police, through the courts, schools, communities and you can just walk in,” Ms. Binns points out.

“If you know someone you can just take them to us. If you, yourself, have gone through a situation and possibly have not received the help you need, you can walk into any one of our locations and receive that help,” she adds.

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 RJ Centre near you.