Management response and action plan

PDF Version

Evaluation Report Title:  Evaluation of the Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW)
Approval Date of Evaluation by Deputy Minister 03/2023

Recommendation 1

The Policy Implementation Directorate, in collaboration with the Tripartite Working Group, should examine ways to improve access and availability of training for Courtworkers.

Rationale for Recommendation: The evaluation found that there is a need for ongoing and enhanced Courtworker training. This will help address issues related to high turnover, variable skills and abilities and the advent of more complex client needs. This training could leverage ongoing efforts by provincial and territorial governments and Justice Canada to further strengthen and support the role of Courtworkers as professionals within the Canadian justice system. The training could take various forms such as a virtual or in-person training program, a peer-to-peer mentorship network of Courtworkers, or training delivered at annual in-person Courtworker gatherings.

Management Response: Programs Branch, Policy Implementation Directorate (PID) agrees to examine ways to improve access and availability of training for Courtworkers.

Recommendation 2

The Policy Implementation Directorate, in collaboration with the provinces, territories and service delivery agencies, should identify ways to increase judicial and court official awareness of the role of Courtworkers and the value of the services they provide.

Rationale for Recommendation: The evaluation identified a need to continue informing and increasing judicial and court officials’ knowledge regarding the services provided by the ICW Program and the value in accessing those services.  More specifically, a need was identified with respect to increasing Indigenous cultural understanding, the significance of clients’ circumstances of that of their communities into consideration in decisions, and the value community-based programming.

Management Response: Programs Branch, Policy Implementation Directorate (PID) agrees with the recommendation and will examine ways to improve judicial and court official awareness of the role of Courtworkers and the value of the services they provide.

Recommendation 3

The Policy Implementation Directorate, in collaboration with the Tripartite Working Group, should explore ways to increase the wellness and mental health supports available to Courtworkers.

Rationale for Recommendation: The COVID-19 pandemic and other changes in ICW program delivery have resulted in increased workload and demands on Courtworkers. The changes are largely due to the increased complexity of client needs, an increase in services to Indigenous persons involved in family and/or child protection justice systems and greater involvement in addressing the holistic needs of clients (e.g., emotional support, food, and clothing). Courtworkers also have increased responsibilities in the areas of advocacy for restorative justice programs and increased involvement in specialized courts. This has contributed to burnout and turnover among Courtworkers. Some options to be considered to address these issues include Courtworker wellness and mental health supports and facilitating peer-to-peer support and sharing of best practices in addressing the mental health needs of Courtworkers.

Management Response: Programs Branch, Policy Implementation Directorate (PID) agrees to explore ways to increase the wellness and mental health supports available to Courtworkers.