Navigator programs in development

In response to a Call for Proposals from the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, Justice Canada received numerous proposals from provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations for additional supports for people with family law cases who are experiencing family violence. A number of these projects meet the criteria for navigator programs. For example, the Labrador Friendship Centre has received funding to hire an Indigenous justice navigator to provide one-on-one assistance to Indigenous persons involved in the justice system and connect clients with lawyers and other services. This program will also offer access to interpretation and elder services.

The Black Legal Action Centre in Toronto, Ontario, has developed a project that will provide information and research to legal professionals and the public to address individual and systemic level anti-black racism within the Canadian justice system. This project will also provide systems navigators who will give information, advice and support to Black people with legal issues that demonstrate financial need 7 (Addressing systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination in the justice system in Toronto).

Several projects currently in development qualify as navigator models. A pilot project in Saskatchewan will provide services including reviewing and triaging court files, screening for family violence, providing referrals and navigation assistance. Additional funding has been granted to expand existing navigator models such as the Ontario Family Court Support Worker Program, Manitoba’s Family Resolution Service and Rise Women’s Legal Centre in Vancouver. This will allow for the expansion of programs into remote communities and strengthen coordination and referrals with community services. Additional funding and continued investment in navigator programs will allow for the implementation of new services and access points to serve the needs of various demographics.

Footnotes

7 Justice Canada is providing $1M in funding over four years for this project through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program.