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Community and Justice Services 

A young person with vibrant green hair sits in a chair holding a water bottle, engaging in conversation with a counselor or social worker, who is holding a clipboard. They are in a cozy, well-lit office space with a water dispenser, bookshelves, and a small table with a tissue box.

Community and justice services professionals often work with clients who find themselves at a crossroads. They work within the justice system focusing on keeping people out of it through prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Community and Justice Services 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
43.0100
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Find your career

Train for a rewarding career and help make a real difference in the lives of people at risk. This program equips you with evidence-informed practices to work with vulnerable populations who are, or could be, in conflict with the justice system.  This program focuses on prevention, intervention, and reintegration.

  • Work with clients ranging from children to young offenders to adults, and people with addictions, developmental delays and mental health challenges.
  • Our graduates find careers in a wide variety of settings, both in the community and correctional facilities.
  • Graduates will prepare for a variety of career opportunities, including:
    • Correctional facilities (Federal and Provincial)
    • Court diversion
    • Court support
    • Youth residential programs
    • Crisis intervention
    • Victim Services
    • Community justice agencies
    • Mobile response teams
    • Case Management
    • Homelessness services
    • Youth and family services
    • Adult residential treatment services
    • Drop-in centres
    • Shelters
    • Street outreach worker (adult and youth)
    • Addiction and mental health services
    • Programming
    • Probation and Parole
  • Grads who successfully complete the provincial or federal correctional system recruitment process will receive additional training upon employment.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Our program adapts to emerging policies and best practices to prepare students for the workplace – with practical, hands-on learning:

  • A combination of in-class learning and practical experience, including simulation, case studies, applied learning, skills practice, role play, and field placement.
  • Incorporate theory and practice with extensive group work.
  • Develop essential skills in human relations, interpersonal communication, needs assessment and critical thinking.
  • Sharpen your skills during scenario-based role-plays, emphasizing personal safety and the protection of staff, clients and the community.
  • Visit correctional facilities
  • Hear from a variety of guest speakers who share their lived experiences with the justice system and mental health and addiction disorders. Additionally, a variety of professionals in the field will share the expertise with students.

Multiply your options in justice studies

As you get a feel for different careers in the field of justice, it’s important to find the right fit for you. A common first-year curriculum allows the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of:

  • Police Foundations
  • Customs Border Services

Courses

LAWS1008 Canadian Criminal Justice System

This course provides students with an overview of the Canadian criminal justice system with a particular emphasis on the function, role and organization of the primary components of the system. There will be particular focus on; victims, enforcement, courts, corrections and the political framework under which the Canadian Criminal Justice System operates. The function of the criminal justice system will be examined in relation to issues affecting the system.

COMM1048 Communications

Learners strengthen the writing and research skills needed for success in college-level studies. Learners will develop and refine techniques to communicate ideas clearly, organize research effectively and produce strong academic work.

ETHI1000 Ethical Considerations in Justice

This course focuses on concepts of critical thinking and ethical issues faced by individuals in their personal and professional lives. Theories of morality and professional codes of ethics will be examined. Students identify and clarify their values and learn the basics of moral reasoning and ethical behaviour. Students apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making models to personal and professional dilemmas.

COMM1051 Interpersonal & Group Dynamics

In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on developing awareness of one's self to enhance effective communications individually and in groups.

FITN1010 Lifestyle Management & Fitness 1

Students will develop an understanding of wellness concepts and practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Students study and implement prerequisites for developing and maintaining personal physical fitness programs. Students will develop and implement personal strategies to meet fitness standards required by the various justice agencies.

SOCI1003 Sociology

Sociology and Canadian Society is an introductory course in which the basics of sociology and social theory are presented. Topics include social theory, research methods, culture, socialization, race and ethnicity, and family.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

PROF1014 Career Resource Development

This course focuses on developing strategies, attributes and skills to assist the learner with preparation for future employment within the Justice fields. Content includes establishing a positive professional image, developing a career plan, résumé writing, professional presentations and exploration of future career options.

SOCI1018 Conflict Management & Crisis Intervention

This course is designed to develop the first responder's ability to intervene safely and effectively in situations involving interpersonal conflict and/or individuals in crisis. Intervention techniques will be stressed along with practical application of effective communication skills, which are essential to safely manage anxious, disruptive, suicidal and violent behaviours. Prerequisite: COMM 1051

LAWS1003 Criminal and Civil Law

This course examines various aspects of the Canadian criminal law system, including the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and laws pertaining to the classification, collection and presentation of evidence. Various components of civil law, including tort, contract, property, family and employment law are explored. Prerequisite: LAWS 1008

SOCI1016 Criminology

This course is an examination of the contemporary theories of crime and deviance. The application of sociological, biological and psychological theories to specific areas of crime and deviance will be explored. Learners will examine victimology, and will also apply theories and crime data to demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice legislation and policy initiatives.

LAWS1009 Issues in Diverse Populations

In this course, students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment. The student is encouraged to increase the knowledge and awareness of important issues in the Indigenous cultures of Canada. The legal status of Indigenous peoples is explored along with Indigenous rights and self-determination. Other critical issues relating to land claims, justice and social services are studied.

FITN1011 Lifestyle Management & Fitness 2

Lifestyle Management and Fitness 2 includes an introduction to physical standards required in the criminal justice field. This course will also explore health issues commonly associated with careers in the criminal justice fields (including back health, stress and shift work). Students will learn to self-assess their own physical fitness and formulate and implement a plan to improve personal fitness conditions. Prerequisite: FITN 1010

PSYC1003 Psychology

This introductory-level course introduces students to terminology, concepts, and theories of psychology, including the historical development of psychology, biological basis of behaviour, learning and memory, perception and consciousness, motivation, lifespan and personality development, and abnormal behaviour.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PSYC2016 Abnormal Psychology

This course involves the study of abnormal behaviour and the application of that knowledge by graduates of the CJS program in the workplace. Students study the classification, diagnosis and legal components of mental illness and the impact it has on the individual, family and community. Specific groups of disorders, as classified by the American Psychological Association in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, will be studied to assist the graduate in recognizing and responding to abnormal behaviour.

CJSW2010 Community & Client Services

This course explores the structure and administration of community organizations and client services that operate within and adjacent to the criminal justice system. This course further explores the issues, gaps and trends in services and legislation that affect community and client services.

PROF2051 Interprofessional Simulation & Community Engagement

This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for their field placement practicum. In addition, the course emphasizes interprofessional education and community engagement, where students will learn collaboratively across various professions. By engaging in multidisciplinary learning activities, students will develop effective collaboration, enhance problem-solving abilities, drive innovation, and improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and the broader systems they serve. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for both the technical and collaborative demands of their future careers.

COUN2024 Introduction to Counselling

This is an introductory course in essential interviewing/counselling skills. Techniques used in correctional, residential and/or community-based environments will be discussed and modelled. Specific emphasis is placed on practical information and experiential learning through the use of simulated individual and group counselling sessions. Prerequisite: COMM 1051, PSYC 1003

CJSW2009 Penology

This course is designed to introduce students to the principal aims of penal science: to discuss the purposes, principles of sentencing and examine evidence-based correctional practices: to review penal laws and procedures throughout history and assess their social consequences. The learner will be introduced to the range of correctional facilities and programs, including the roles and responsibilities of those who perform them, and will participate in case management activities for related offender populations in the provision of correctional services. This knowledge of the correctional system in Canada will assist in the transition to become an effective community and justice services employee.

LAWS2021 Youth in Conflict

This course is designed to guide students in an analysis of the Canadian youth justice system and the Ontario child protection system. This course will familiarize students with the purpose, principles and administration of both the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Ontario Child and Family Services Act.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PSYC2012 Addictions & Mental Health

This course focuses on persons with mental health, addiction, and concurrent disorders. Students will be exposed to many facets of addictions including the process and stages of addiction, theories, treatment interventions, stigma, personal attitudes, as well as an introduction to basic pharmacology. Students will study how people with mental health and addiction problems interact within the community and the justice field, as well as explore unique approaches and interventions to work effectively with these populations. Prerequisite: PSYC 2011

PROF2030 CJS Career Preparation

This course is designed to prepare students for employment by strengthening personal resiliency, identifying prospective employers, enhancing relevant employment skills, preparing effective resumes and portfolios, and completing an employment interview simulation. Students will also benefit through numerous guest speaker presentations from potential employers and recent graduates from various related careers. Prerequisite: PROF 2024

WKPL2004 CJS Practicum 2

Practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate/apply theoretical knowledge in practical experiences. It further assists in broadening or clarifying goals as students discover, develop and refine skills and competencies for their desired career. Prerequisite: WKPL 2003

CJSW2002 Principles of Case Management

This course is designed to present students with a variety of approaches that lead to the acquisition of case management skills and techniques that are applicable for work within various Human Service consumer populations and age groups. This course acquaints students with the philosophy, history and "best practice" of case management. Emphasis is given to ethical and policy considerations faced by human service practitioners, ethical decision making, professional competence, self-disclosure, confidentiality, and related topics as they apply to working as part of a case management team. Prerequisite: CJSW 2006

CJSW2005 Programming for Intervention & Reintegration

This course acquaints students with the philosophy, history and "best practice" of effective programming. Designed to familiarize students with a variety of program models used for intervention/reintegration, the learner will have the opportunity to practice the skills and techniques that are applicable for work within various human service consumer populations and age groups. The methods and techniques of course delivery will include standard lectures, case studies, video presentations, and group work/discussion. Prerequisite: COUN 2014

CJSW2011 Safe & Secure Environments

Course description not available

CJSW2007 Special Populations

This course focuses on populations within the community and justice field that require unconventional approaches to the provision of service and care. Policies, practices, legislation and services will be examined in relation to special populations, and the challenge of working within the parameters of the human services and justice system will be explored. Prerequisite: PSYC 2011, SOCI 1016

*Courses subject to change.

Students work at a large desk filling out paperwork. One student is in an orange jumpsuit. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

 

Additional requirements

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

 

Additional requirements prior to field placement

  • Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placement and program completion may not be possible).
  • Up-to date tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B and TB skin test. Some placement sites may require an updated COVID-19 vaccine and/or a recent flu vaccine.

Additional requirements for field placements

  • Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to field placements.
  • Students should expect to travel out of town for placements and it is possible that the commute could be 80 kilometres (km) or more each way (from campus location or home address for distance students). Students are responsible for making their own transportation agreements.
  • The student is responsible for all costs associated with travel, including parking.

Note: If an experiential learning opportunity is declined due to transportation reasons, Loyalist College cannot guarantee an alternative opportunity. This may result in significant academic consequences, inability to complete an experiential learning requirement can impact academic progression and may affect eligibility for graduation. Therefore, it is crucial that students carefully consider their transportation options and ensure they can fulfill all experiential learning commitments.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Two student seated at a table across from each other. The one on the right is wearing a navy blue collared shirt that says "Community and Justice Services" on the left arm, the one on the left is wearing a white t-shirt and is in handcuffs. There are 14 teal blue circle on the lower lefthand side of the image.

Further study

Loyalist offers flexible learning

  • You can start your two-year program in September or January.
  • A common first-year curriculum allows the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of Customs Border Services or Police Foundations.

Pathways for justice studies graduates

Graduates can double their career options by completing a second Justice Studies diploma at Loyalist in just one additional year! Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. Learn more about available pathways.

Study abroad

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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