Pre- and Post-Charge Diversion, Court Support, and In-Reach

Pre- and Post-Charge Diversion – Ottawa and L’Orignal

The Direct Accountability Program (DAP) includes both pre-charge and post-charge diversion components, both available to eligible individuals 18 years of age and older. Post-Charge Diversion is delivered at the Ottawa and L’Orignal Courthouses. It is an alternative to formal prosecution for eligible who have been charged with minor criminal offences. Pre-charge Diversion, delivered at the Ottawa Courthouse, sees individuals facing charges for minor offences being diverted away from the criminal justice system and redirected to E Fry Ottawa for community programming and supports. Our staff delivers educational programming, including Theft Prevention, Anger Management, and Alcohol and Drug Awareness.

This program requires court referral.

Legal Navigation and Support

Navigating the court process can be overwhelming and stressful.  Many individuals experience confusion, anxiety and uncertainty about what lies ahead. To assist individuals in managing these challenges, E Fry Ottawa offers emotional support, legal information, and connections to a range of community programs and services tailored to their specific needs. Where possible, trained volunteers may also be arranged to provide in-person court support. Individuals being released from custody can receive immediate and practical assistance at our courthouse office, including bus tickets, access to a courtesy phone, community resources, and directions to shelters or back to jail, if needed.

In-Reach (Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre)

E Fry Ottawa provides one-to-one support and advocacy to women and gender-diverse people imprisoned at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC). Our Community Liaison Worker provides information and referrals to programs and services of E Fry Ottawa and connects them to other community resources and services to assist with reintegration. Our Addictions Counsellor provides relapse prevention programming and individual counselling at OCDC to those seeking supports with substance use and/or who wish to attend treatment programming on release.

For more information, please email info@efryottawa.com or call 613-237-7427.