Overview
Graduates of this program can move forward into careers in law enforcement, border security, corrections, assisting at-risk youth, supporting vulnerable individuals in local communities and careers in the education sector. In preparation for these careers, this program offers two robust Professional Placements in the community, totalling 400 hours.
Graduates can move forward into these careers by being prepared to carry out duties and responsibilities in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations in institutional and community justice settings using various intervention strategies. Graduates gain skills to work with and support diverse and at-risk populations, including those with addiction and mental health struggles
Program delivery fosters the development of skills in self-growth, professionalism, empathy, compassion, cultural competence, communication, nonverbal communication, active listening, adaptability, intuition, building a rapport with individuals, problem diagnosis, problem solving, critical and creative thinking, reflective practice, teamwork, career planning, and best practices to work with and support individuals in conflict with the law, at risk for being in conflict with the law, and/or offenders. Program delivery also fosters the development of awareness and knowledge of holistic wellness.
The Community and Justice Services Program continues the historical legacy of quality established by the Correctional Worker Program. Established in the early 1970’s, this program was one of the first offering career training for correctional and community justice work.
Program Details
Program Highlights
- The Community and Justice Services Professional/Placement Readiness Model
- 4 Workplace Readiness Courses
- Individual Professional/Placement Readiness Interviews with faculty
- Real world learning opportunities
- Indigenization of curriculum
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Diverse faculty team from various sectors of the community and justice services field
- The use of standardized participants
- An extensive program of study geared towards specific vocational and learning outcomes
- Collaboration
- Two 200 hour placements
Program Outline
2023-2024
This introductory course provides the student with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with an emphasis on its history, function, role and organization. Students will be introduced to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the impact of the Charter on the Canadian Justice System. Students will have the opportunity to critically analyze and reflect upon their own thoughts, feelings and biases towards the Canadian Criminal Justice System. The operation of the criminal justice system will be examined and analyzed considering contemporary issues affecting the system. Students will explore how criminal matters proceed through the system from enforcement, the trial process, sentencing, corrections and rehabilitation and reintegration.
This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals in the field of Community and Justice Services. The role of the Community and Justice Services professional is emphasized. It gives students an opportunity to examine and clarify their own beliefs and values and establish a specific framework for ethical decision-making. Ethical issues in the field of Community and Justice Services, which relate to a wide variety of concerns, are identified and explored. Students examine how professional ethical codes guide behaviour and apply ethical decision-making models to dilemmas in their professional lives.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
This introductory course provides the foundation for understanding human development, behaviour, and enculturation in Canadian society. The students will analyze the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Students will also be provided with the tools necessary to explain human society and social behaviour through the examination of various sociological perspectives and concepts.
This course introduces students to the core competencies and skills required for a career in the field of community and justice services. This course is the first delivery in a series of four courses which are designed to assist the student in developing professionalism, self-growth, communication skills, and career readiness. This course will identify strategies needed for the successful transition into college, provide an overview of the essential competencies for the field, and introduce the Community and Justice Services Professional Readiness and Field Placement requirements.
This course briefly examines a variety of theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behavior involving biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Criminological theory is also looked at in relation to various types of criminal activity and the reality of crime in Canada. Victimology is examined through crime statistics which again focus on the reality of crime in Canada as well as the correlates of criminal behavior. Finally, the impact of theory on the development of an effective criminal justice system is discussed with an emphasis on public policy and future trends.
Interpersonal skills are recognized as being increasingly important in the field of Community and Justice Services. This course focuses on developing self-awareness and interpersonal skills to enhance the student’s ability to interact with others effectively. Topics include leadership, norm-setting, conflict resolution, and effective group decision-making. This course uses an experiential approach allowing each student the opportunity to act as both team leader and team participant to fulfill all roles within a group.
This course traces the evolution of social services and explores some of the past and current social needs of Canadians. Students are introduced to the guiding principles for community development practice and learn to identify and explain how networks of community services operate and how clients benefit from these services.
Society has come to recognize that personal wellness is essential to the quality of life for the individual and to the wellness of society as a whole. Through lectures, practical experience, and self-evaluation, students address lifestyle factors such as physical fitness, stress management, coronary heart disease, shift work, and back health. Students implement an effective lifestyle plan that develops physical capacities and improves their overall wellness and self-care in preparation for future employment.
This course introduces students to the division of power among the federal, provincial and municipal governments and examines the legislative process for making laws. Students learn to distinguish between criminal and civil cases and the burden of proof in each. Students identify the elements of an offence in the Criminal Code and charge/prosecution options. The course provides an overview of the arrest, trial, and sentencing phases of the criminal justice process and application of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This course is the second delivery in a series of four courses which are designed to assist the student in developing professionalism, self-growth, communication skills, and career readiness. This course will identify strategies needed for the promotion of self-care, wellness, and prevention of occupational stressors. The course will assist the student in identifying and developing techniques for maintaining positive working relationships, strengthening their professionalism, and the importance of effective boundary setting and confidentiality. Students will continue to develop their professional communication skills and will assess their own strengths and weakness via the Community and Justice Services Professional Readiness and Field Placement requirements.
This course provides an overview of the federal and provincial legislation that impacts the delivery of community and justice services in Canada. Students become aware of how the various laws affect the management of children and youth at risk, young people in conflict with the law, and adult offenders at the provincial and federal levels.
This course introduces students to foundational interviewing skills and the dynamic nature of case work. Students study the assessments and interactions between the client and the professional in both community and institutional environments. The course addresses case management, protocols within the community and justice environments, and ancillary human service agencies. Students practice interviewing skills through role-plays and other structured learning activities.
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, prevent, and manage disruptive and aggressive behaviour arising from diverse and at-risk client groups.
In this course, students explore one’s self and their attitudes and biases towards specific social issues that exist in the Community and Justice Services field. The impact of stigma and discrimination on people will be analyzed and students will discuss the concept of privilege and the importance of inclusivity within the Community and Justice Services field. Students will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge regarding diverse populations including youth. Students will also explore the history and traditional practices of Indigenous cultures and the current social and political climate. In addition to this, students will explore the concept of mental health and the symptomology of mental illness to enable them to recognize mental health struggles within the field.
This course is the third delivery in a series of four courses which are designed to assist the student in developing professionalism, self-growth, communication skills, and career readiness. This course will identify strategies needed for success while on placement by examining a variety of situations that may be found in the field. This course will prepare the student to deal with assigned field placement duties and effectively manage their responses to the many demands of the field. Students will continue to enhance their professional communication skills by examining reporting requirements while on field placement.
Prerequisite(s): CCJS 2000
This course provides an analysis of the physiological, psychological, and social impact of the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs. An overview of terminology and current approaches to addiction and recovery are explored including harm reduction and relapse prevention. Students examine the services available through the Ontario addiction treatment system. Students will employ various intervention techniques through case studies and role-play activities.
This course further develops the program planning skills needed to implement programs to strengthen the community. Students work collaboratively to identify a social problem within the community and work to establish a plan to assess, respond, and strengthen the needs associated with that challenge. Students will plan and present an implementation strategy that will promote inclusive practices and meet the needs of a diverse population. Students develop leadership skills and the ability to evaluate and critique the effectiveness of programs.
This course will blend theory with practical applications based upon case studies and role plays that examine situations across the lifespan. Students will discuss the role of intervention strategies that support identified clients in the Community and Justice Services field. Students analyze and apply the continuum of wellness in relation to assisting and implementing intervention strategies for diverse populations. In addition to this, students will apply the causation and treatment of specific problems by using the Biopsychosocial Plus approach to recovery. Students will discuss and practice contemporary approaches to rehabilitation and recovery for individuals in the Community and Justice Services field.
This course is the final delivery in a series of four courses which are designed to assist the student in developing professionalism, self-growth, communication skills, and career readiness. This course will allow students to reflect and share experiences gained during their first field placement. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore career options and develop their oral and written communication skills which are necessary for successful career management. Students will be able to develop a professional and targeted portfolio to assist the student in representing themselves to prospective employers.
Prerequisite(s): CCJS 3000
This course offers a supervised placement within a designated organization. This course builds on knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. Students synthesize knowledge gained in the classroom with current practices in the field and develop skills across a wide spectrum of community and justice service organizations.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
Health Requirements
Pre-Placement Immunization Requirements
Immunizations are MANDATORY for this program and can take months to complete. Both International and domestic students in this program are required to complete the Immunization Communicable Disease Form to be eligible to attend placement. Without required immunizations and necessary blood work completed, students will NOT be eligible to complete placement, which can affect the ability to graduate.
Note for International students: Fees apply to most vaccines in Canada. You are encouraged to start/complete your Immunization Communicable Disease Form in your home country and bring that documentation to Canada. On arrival at SLC, the SLC Campus Health Centre can also assist you with your requirements.
Additional Immunization Requirements Students Need to Complete
In addition to the immunization requirements listed in your Program Immunization Communicable Disease Form, students attending clinical placement locations may also be asked to complete the additional vaccinations listed below and provide proof with dated receipts to the agency before they can begin placements. These are agency-specific and as such, the agency may deny a student access to their location without these completed.
- Minimally 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Annual flu shot (when available)
Once Students Register:
Students will receive instructions on how to begin the immunization process that includes:
- Booking an appointment with the Campus Health Centre (BOOKING LINK) or an individual’s primary care physician to complete the appropriate below form and any necessary blood work
- DOMESTIC STUDENT Immunization Communicable Disease Form – read carefully
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Immunization Communicable Disease Form – read carefully
- Where and how to submit your information to ensure it is received safely and remains confidential, including blood work results if required
- Due dates when all information must be submitted by to be eligible for placement
Registered students are STRONGLY encouraged to complete information as soon as notified, to avoid any disruption to placement or imposed penalty fees.
Questions regarding immunizations can be emailed to immunizations@sl.on.ca.
As an active SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
Placement
Students who are eligible and who complete all placement requirements, have the the rich opportunity to be able to apply what they have learned and how they have grown and developed on placement within the criminal justice system and other community and justice agencies that promote community safety and wellness. These real world learning opportunities take place in semester three and four and each placement is a total of 200 hours, totaling 400 hours.
Students have completed their placement at places such as:
- Federal and Provincial Correctional Institutions
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Brockville Police Service
- Gananoque Police Service
- Military Police
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre
- Youth Diversion
- City of Kingston
- The John Howard Society
- The Boys and Girls Club
- Home Base Housing
- HIV/AIDS Regional Services
- Molly Brant Elementary School
- Residential Facilities
- Elizabeth Fry
- Partners in Mission Foodbank
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health
- Victim Services
- St. Lawrence Youth Association
Students take part in the Professional/Placement Readiness Model in order to prepare and to determine the agency that they are eligible to complete their placement at.
Faculty and the Student Placement Facilitator arrange placements for students.
It is mandatory for students to complete SLC Placement requirements
- 6 Training Modules
- Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality
- Student Covid 19 Waiver
- CPIC - VULNERABLE SECTOR
- Immunization
Questions:
Website: http://www.placementatslc.ca/
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.


Career Opportunities
Organizations that have hired Community and Justice Services graduates include:
- Federal and provincial correctional systems
- Young offender homes
- Treatment centres
- School boards
- Non-governmental agencies
- Community-based service agencies
- Youth diversion programs
- Alternate programs for youth
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Derek Davies
dadavies@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400 ext. 1862
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.
Credit Transfer Opportunities
SLC graduates can continue their studies with post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world. Agreements between SLC and other institutions that are specific to this program are listed below.
There are also many credit transfer pathway agreements between colleges and universities within the province of Ontario. Visit ontransfer.ca to search for options relevant to your area of study.
- University of Guelph Humber - Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies
- Athabasca University - Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management
- Athabasca University - Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
- Carleton University - Bachelor of Arts