welcome to NativeCourtworkers

Downtown Community Court

Vancouver will open the doors to the new Downtown Community Court. (DCC) in the fall of 2008.  The Downtown Community Court will bring together justice, health and social services.  The DCC worker is a member of the Downtown Community Court team to ensure that all aboriginal participants are handled in a culturally- appropriate manner.

The DCC worker acts as an intermediary between the accused and the criminal justice system.  The DCC worker increases understanding of rights, obligations, court processes cultural considerations and support, and other factors by aboriginal accused, court officials and the judiciary.  The DCC worker will increase awareness about legal and social resources available by aboriginal accused, court officials and the judiciary.

DCC worker increases linkages between communities, organizations and individuals and the justice system (formal and informal).  The DCC worker increase consideration of relevant factors (cultural and other) by court officials and the judiciary.

DCC worker enhances legislation, policies, services and processes affecting aboriginal people before the courts.  The DCC worker ensures aboriginal accused receive fair, equitable and culturally sensitive treatment by the criminal justice system.  This service will play a hybrid role as part of Triage and participate in case management.

Our worker will also work with the judicial personnel to develop a rapport with first nation and aboriginal communities which in turn will build trust and knowledge of local issues.  The worker will also help educate the community court on aboriginal culture and advise the court when required, and make the court aware of all underlying factors that lead to the offence and direct the participant towards the proper avenue that best suits their needs.