Youth-Police Dialogues

OJEN’s Youth-Police Dialogue programs offer young people a safe, inclusive space to share their perspectives about their neighbourhood and the issues that cause conflict between youth and police. Over 6-8 weekly sessions, lawyers help youth learn about criminal law, build their legal capability, and develop their advocacy skills. Youth participants practice framing their ideas and concerns in a respectful, assertive way that enhances youth-police relations. The project ends with a roundtable discussion between youth and police officers, where both sides work to come up with respectful community solutions, while addressing community safety as a shared goal.

In 2014, OJEN received a two-year grant from the City of Toronto to pilot our Youth-Police Dialogues with 150 youth living in eight different neighbourhood improvement areas and high risk communities throughout Toronto. Read our project report to learn more.

If you would like to request this program, you can contact us via our online form.