Fleming College

Program Highlights

As a graduate of the Community and Justice Services program, you will be challenged to do your personal best while learning how to develop effective relationships with those who are in your care. Throughout the two-year Community and Justice Services program, you will learn what's needed to work with society's at-risk youth and adult populations through experiential and in-class training. Your courses will include a significant focus on human relations and communications skills -- which are essential to your success in this field.

You will obtain the skills and training to work in diverse community and institutional settings. You may work with people who are currently involved, or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system, child welfare, or mental health systems. As well, you may work with people who are currently incarcerated, or who are experiencing difficulties as a result of addictions, anti-social behaviours, or a lack of appropriate supports.

University Grad?

Are you a university graduate? You may be eligible for direct entry into second semester of this program and graduate in as little as 12 months. Contact the program co-ordinator for more information.

Why Choose Fleming

The Skills for Justice Scenario Lab at Fleming College is a unique teaching and learning space where faculty are able to involve students in scenarios to test skills and develop competencies in a safe and realistic setting. Access to community-based experiential training is also an integral part of the program. The 15-week field placement gives you a great deal of exposure to the field – and employers respect and value your training. Fleming College's CJS program has an excellent reputation across the province and beyond. Our Field Observation course is unique in the Ontario college system in that it operates inside a federal institution. Other community partnerships also afford students the opportunity to test their skills in real community and correctional environments throughout the four semesters of the program.

Common First Semester

Students in our Law and Justice diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills. It also enables you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. You can enter that program in semester two, provided that you have achieved academic success in first semester, and subject to enrolment capacity.

Work Experience

The field placement experience is a 15-week block, longer than placements in many other Community and Justice Service programs. During placement, you will be required to obtain a minimum of 520 hours in the field. Placements are available throughout the province and beyond, in correctional centres or community-based programs, including schools, residential treatment facilities and social service agencies. You will be required to submit a current police records check and vulnerable sector check to the placement agency prior to starting third semester. If you have been convicted of an offense under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned or are flagged on a vulnerable sector check, you may be denied the opportunity to do a field placement. If you are deficient in one second semester course you will require a personal interview with the program coordinator to determine if field placement is possible. A student who is deficient in two or more courses will be unable to enroll in third semester until the transcript is complete and clear.

Is this You?

It's a definite asset if you've had volunteer or paid work experience working with people in crisis or in need, such as with Big Brothers/Sisters or in peer counselling. It also helps if you have:

• effective interpersonal skills
• patience
• cultural sensitivity
• effective conflict resolution/problem solving skills
• emotional maturity

Career Opportunities

By the time you graduate, you will be well-qualified for employment and a rewarding career. Graduates of the Community and Justice Services program typically obtain employment in various agencies, programs and institutions in the correctional, child welfare and broader social service systems.

• Correctional Services Canada
• Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• Ministry of Community and Social Services
• Ministry of Children and Youth Services
• privately operated group homes
• other provincial correctional departments/ministries
• community based social service agencies

The placement rate for Fleming graduates in related work is high. Expect to make an average starting salary of $30,000.00, and more with experience.

Indigenous Perspectives Designation

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Child and Youth Care program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.

Related Programs

You might also find the Social Service Worker program interests you. Or, take a look at Customs, Security and Risk Management, or Police Foundations if a career in law enforcement is your goal.

Additional Costs

You should plan to spend approximately $740 per year for books and supplies.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.