Serve as a tripartite forum to address issues concerning the Aboriginal Courtwork Program. These issues may include, but are not limited to, funding, eligibility, program delivery, program evaluation, promotion / communications matters, training, cross-jurisdictional issues, and data collection / national database. For the initial years covered by this Agreement, the priorities to be addressed included the national training curriculum for criminal courtworkers, a national program evaluation, and a national Aboriginal Courtwork database.
Develop innovative approaches to service delivery and solutions to various problems that affect the Program. In particular, explore ways to share resources and expertise on issues such as training and data collection.
Undertake research, resources permitting.
Investigate the need for, and implications of, services which are not currently covered under the cost-sharing Agreement, which would include, but are not limited to:
Assistance to non-Aboriginal accused persons in remote areas;
Court-directed services (e.g., interpretation and bail supervision);
Assistance in family and civil law matters.
Establish effective working relationships both within the TWG and with other organizations as needed.
Serve as a resource on Aboriginal Courtwork services and on issues related to Aboriginal people in the justice system.
Provide advice to Deputy Ministers on the potential impact that new legislative or policy changes can have on the Program and its clients.
The TWG shall report as the need arises to Federal/Provincial/Territorial Deputy Ministers Responsible for Justice.