Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program

The OCYDP is designed to improve the manner in which our community deals with youth aged 12 to 17 years who are in conflict with the law. OCYDP will act as a coordinating body or “clearinghouse” for the timely delivery of individualized interventions by a network of collaborative partners.

Contact Tom Scholberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

Youth Diversion Brochure

Winner of the 2011 Community Safety Program Award! (click to read award profile)

OCYDP Testimonials

" The Ottawa Police Service has full confidence that the Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program is making a difference in the lives of young people diverted from the formal criminal justice system. OCYDP effectively responds to the needs of a young person as well as the victim ensuring a meaningful and timely response. Our partnership with regards to this initiative is valued and central to our police diversion strategy. "

Sgt. Mark Houldsworth
Ottawa Police Service
Youth Intervention & Diversion Section

" In the year that I have been Youth Team Lead for the Ottawa Crown Attorney's office it has been my pleasure to work with the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa in our combined efforts to provide effective and timely diversion for youth in our community. In my experience, staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa are dedicated professionals committed to providing ongoing services which are responsive to the needs of our community. In my view, our youth are extremely lucky to have such excellent community based programming working on their behalf."

Lisa M. Miles
Assistant Crown Attorney
Youth Team Lead
Crown Attorney's Office

“My behaviour has changed so much and I have a much better attitude compared to when I started. As much as I didn’t want to be in this situation, it has helped me a lot and gave me a pretty big reality check and a better understanding from right and wrong.”

17-year old program participant