A new program in Manitoba endeavours to decrease indigenous youth offenders in the justice system..The program is based on indigenous healing principles and connects offenders to their community, culture, and indigenous identity. .Zaagiwe Oshinawe Inaakonigewin (ZOI) program, which translates to “Love Youth Justice,” works to prevent re-offenders..The ZOI program gives “wraparound support” while in the justice system and during the transition back into society..“Ultimately, that’s how young people who are involved in the justice system find success … not just by programming that happens within a closed custody or a correctional facility, but beyond that in their community,” said Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen..Nancy Parker, Marymound Inc.'s executive director, said the ZOI program will be different for each participant and they will also have access to all Marymound’s treatment services.. Heather Stefanson .“It’s their voice, it’s strength-based, and it again allows a unique healing journey for each youth,” said Parker..In 2018, indigenous young offenders were 43% of youth in custody, while indigenous youth make up only 8.8% of all Canadian youth..The ZOI program aims to tackle the root causes of crime, such as trauma and addiction, and reduce the amount of indigenous youth in the criminal justice system..“Individual approaches are so, so critical … There is no one fit, there is no one youth who is going to look like the next youth in their journey leading up to us,” said Parker. .Manitoba will pay up to $2.25 million over the next three years based on a “social impact bond” (SIB)..A SIB is paid to private investors who fund the treatment and are paid based on the program’s outcomes..This is the first time Manitoba has used a SIB..Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson hopes the program reduces re-offenders and that the SIB method works..“This is a program that, if it works … which I think it has proven … through the social innovation financing, will be able to reduce the number of kids that are re-offending in our community,” said Stefanson. .According to the provincial government, incarceration and crime have high “economic and human cost[s]” and reducing repeat offenders through innovative preventative programs, such as ZOI, will keep communities safe.
A new program in Manitoba endeavours to decrease indigenous youth offenders in the justice system..The program is based on indigenous healing principles and connects offenders to their community, culture, and indigenous identity. .Zaagiwe Oshinawe Inaakonigewin (ZOI) program, which translates to “Love Youth Justice,” works to prevent re-offenders..The ZOI program gives “wraparound support” while in the justice system and during the transition back into society..“Ultimately, that’s how young people who are involved in the justice system find success … not just by programming that happens within a closed custody or a correctional facility, but beyond that in their community,” said Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen..Nancy Parker, Marymound Inc.'s executive director, said the ZOI program will be different for each participant and they will also have access to all Marymound’s treatment services.. Heather Stefanson .“It’s their voice, it’s strength-based, and it again allows a unique healing journey for each youth,” said Parker..In 2018, indigenous young offenders were 43% of youth in custody, while indigenous youth make up only 8.8% of all Canadian youth..The ZOI program aims to tackle the root causes of crime, such as trauma and addiction, and reduce the amount of indigenous youth in the criminal justice system..“Individual approaches are so, so critical … There is no one fit, there is no one youth who is going to look like the next youth in their journey leading up to us,” said Parker. .Manitoba will pay up to $2.25 million over the next three years based on a “social impact bond” (SIB)..A SIB is paid to private investors who fund the treatment and are paid based on the program’s outcomes..This is the first time Manitoba has used a SIB..Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson hopes the program reduces re-offenders and that the SIB method works..“This is a program that, if it works … which I think it has proven … through the social innovation financing, will be able to reduce the number of kids that are re-offending in our community,” said Stefanson. .According to the provincial government, incarceration and crime have high “economic and human cost[s]” and reducing repeat offenders through innovative preventative programs, such as ZOI, will keep communities safe.
