Horizons

Brief Description

Horizons program aims to support individuals to attach to the labor force. There is a four-week training period to support participants in job skills and employment readiness. Participants then take part in a job placement which is supported by a trained facilitator.

Goals

The main goals of the Horizons program are to:

• Provide valuable assistance towards the rehabilitation of persons involved with the criminal justice system; and
• Contribute to the likelihood of a positive transition back into the workforce.

Clientele

People with criminal justice involvement over the age of 29 who are assessed as having low literacy, low job skills and/ or low educational attainment can enter the program. Referrals are obtained through community agencies and the Department of Justice. Participants must be non-EI eligible for at least five years and social assistance recipients. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis

Core Components

The main goal of the program is to help participants prepare for job readiness and increasing job skills. Prior to admittance to the Horizons program, intake is mandatory to identify participants needs as well as to determine eligibility requirements are met. This program is in-person only. Structured group programming is provided at the beginning of the program to prepare for subsidized work placements. Work placements are secured with the program facilitator. On-going support is provided to participants to employers throughout the job placement. Participants also participate in workshops throughout their employment to continue to increase their employability skills.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: The organization must be able to identify appropriate participants, find areas of work within participants interests and skill level, and involve trauma-informed facilitators.
• Partnerships: Horizons Program partners with the Department of Justice and Public Safety, other John Howard Society departments, West Coast Correctional Centre and local employers.
• Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
• Risk assessment tools: Level of Service/Case Management Inventory may be completed prior to intake by the Department of Justice. Program facilitator will complete intake with participants to determine education level, skills, and suitability.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

The program is implemented by the John Howard Society Newfoundland and Labrador, Stephenville, NL. Program begins yearly in April dependant on funding and began in 2008.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Mara Hayward

Manager of Employment Services

Email: mhayward@jhsnl.ca or info@jhsnl.ca