History

The Intermittent Program began in 1979 as a pilot project and developed into a program in 1981. It was funded by the Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections until 2006. It is currently funded by Operation Springboard and is delivered throughout the Niagara Region.

Purpose of the Program

To provide male adult offenders with the opportunity to serve sentences on weekends providing free labour to non-profit agencies and organizations throughout the Niagara Region. Weekend sentences also reduce the negative impact of incarceration as the offender is with family during the week and is able to keep his job.

Referral Process

Referral to the Intermittent program originates from the Niagara Detention Centre (NDC). All prospective participants must serve 1/6th of their sentence in NDC before becoming eligible for the program.

Client Process

Offenders are interviewed at the NDC by the Temporary Absence Program Coordinator. If offender meets the criteria as set out by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, they are referred to the John Howard Society of Niagara (JHSoN) by Operation Springboard. Offenders serving sentences for Level I offences (the most serious charges), have lengthy past criminal records and those with physical disabilities do not qualify for the program. During their screening process, they are also seen by the health unit at the NDC to ensure client is capable physically of handling the work.

JHSoN Supervisors

Two program supervisors at present are used on a rotational basis. Supervisors are hired by the JHSoN. Their responsibilities include recruiting and maintaining community service placements, monitoring the work the offender performs, attendance taking, and record keeping.

Community Work

The offender provides general labour service to non-profit agencies. Examples of the type of work include  sorting clothes, outdoor/indoor maintenance, painting, grounds keeping. The work sites for the offender are arranged by the John Howard Society of Niagara taking into consideration the geographical location of the offender and his ability to travel to the placement each weekend. The work sites are approved by Operation Springboard. Various work sites are utilized on Saturdays and Sundays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Current work sites used include Goodwill Stores throughout the Niagara Region and Building Bridges.

The client continues to work each weekend with the program, providing program regulations are met, until the completion of their Intermittent sentence. If the client does not follow the rules of the program such as wearing of safety boots and displaying good work ethic, he is returned to the NDC and is removed from the program.

Cost of the Program

There is no cost to the participating offender and he is not paid for the work performed. 

Community Involvement Process

Non-profit agencies are invited to participate. They are recruited or they contact the John Howard Society of Niagara with jobs they need assistance completing.  The success of the program has been due to the partnership of the JHSoN staff, Operation Springboard, NDC and the community agencies involved.  The Program Supervisor meets with new community work placements and conducts an interview with the agency personnel. Details of the job and program information are discussed. Tools, supplies and facilities are provided by the agency requesting the offender.  Transportation of the offender to the work site is the sole responsibility of the offender.  Once a schedule is arranged, the job is supervised to completion.

Without the assistance that this program brings to the community in free labour, many local projects would take much longer and would cost much more to be completed, if at all, due to limited funding resources.

For further information regarding this program, please contact the John Howard Society of Niagara at 905-682-2657.