Posts

Justified Liberty Deprivation

Let Us gather here and take part in this Critical Examination 🧐  Justified Liberty Deprivation refers to the legal and ethical conditions under which a persons freedom can be curtailed, typically in the context of incarcerationn, civil commitment, or other forms of detention. While the concept is played out to be rooted in the “need to maintain public safety and provide necessary care”, it also presents significant risks of abuse and human rights violations. These happen often…Lets sit on our phones for a few more minutes to explore the definition of justified liberty deprivation and how it can be misused to inflict harm and undermine the rights of individuals in custody, ALSO including inmates and those in mental health institutions. At its core, justified liberty deprivation is based on the principle that society has the “right to defend itself” (heard that one before).. from harm. This includes what they believe is detaining individuals who pose a threat to public safety, such ...

Prevention VS Intervention

Prevention VS Intervention Q: A solution to a problem is great, but what’s even better? A: A preventative measure to avoid the occurrence in the first place.  A lot of organizations offer a plethora of solutions to common social and developmental issues that their clients may face. Let’s talk about how prioritizing this on another level will help solve AND prevent these issues.  In our society, we often find ourselves reacting to crises rather than preventing them. Whether it's crime spikes, the growing homeless population, or the escalating addiction rates, our go-to response is usually intervention. While intervention is necessary, focusing solely on it is like mopping the floor while the faucet is still running. It's time to shift our focus to prevention—and addressing the root causes of these issues before they manifest. When we talk about crime, prevention isn't just about increasing police presence; it's about investing in communities. Providing quality education,...

How can I help? Here’s how! 🀍

 Proven Experience Working with vulnerable persons on a client-first basis using a trauma informed approach assisting with assessment, intake, case management and transition plans to ensure smooth transition into society post-crime & post-addiction (when directly related to their offending behaviour).  Encouraging the recovery and exercising accountability while overcoming Substance Use Disorders. Particularly Working with individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system or facing incarceration by applying knowledge of the social determinants of crime and particular social barriers and managing clients on a case to case basis while safely navigating the legal system. Implementing alternative solutions to offending such as Restorative Justice and Rehabilitative /Harm Reduction options in lieu of custodial sentencing to demonstrate a new solution to addiction/ crime. Guided by the Social Determinants of Crime and Health, I'm equipped to support vulnerable populati...

Homeless Youth and the Cycle of Crime: The Dire Consequences of Unstable Households

 Homeless Youth and the Cycle of Crime: The Dire Consequences of Unstable Households A lot of you aren’t ready to accept and read this, but please- do what you can and get as far as comfort takes you! Then again, it shouldn’t be hard to read if you are a self-aware individual who is open to growth, reflection and self development. Hope this helps!  For many young individuals, the sanctuary of a stable home remains an elusive dream. Instead, they face the harsh realities of homelessness or flee toxic family environments, significantly increasing their vulnerability to involvement in criminal activities. The absence of a nurturing household and the presence of toxic parental relationships are critical factors driving these youths towards the streets and, subsequently, towards crime. A stable household provides more than just physical shelter; it offers a foundation of emotional security, guidance, and positive role modeling. Compatible parents create an environment where childre...

Layers of Trauma: Unpacking the Truth By ToniLee Danso

An article By TLD  What is the relationship bewtween generational trauma and racism ? How does it affect anything? Or everything, at that ? I will explain.. but it’s a LONG ONE ☝️  Race intersects profoundly with generational trauma, creating lasting barriers that affect communities across generations. Generational trauma, stemming from historical oppression and systemic injustices, leaves deep scars on the collective psyche of racial groups. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing current disparities and fostering healing. One of the primary ways race and generational trauma connect is through the inheritance of emotional and psychological wounds. For example, the descendants of enslaved people may carry the trauma of their ancestors' experiences, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or hypervigilance. Similarly, communities that have faced displacement, cultural erasure, or genocide often grapple with unresolved grief and loss that impacts subsequent generat...

Racism VS HOMELESSNESS BY Toni-Lee Danso

 Okay, it’s 2025- and we are far from denial regarding the existence of racism. We know WHO it impacts … but what about HOW these people and things are affected? . What if some people are just unaware of certain issues that create more issues in themselves and maybe just need a little breakdown… and not a dance πŸ•Ί.  Unfortunately, homelessness should never be a conversation of “who’s the most homeless? Or w”what prowl are affected the most”. It’s definitely not a competition. But there are factors, like the others we have discussed that affect certain people more than others. People are facing Discrimination every day, Which actually affects their quality of life due to racism and they need to learn how to step up and do something about it.  Racism significantly exacerbates homelessness through multiple interconnected pathways. One critical area is housing access: racial bias in housing markets leads to minorities facing higher rates of denial for rentals and mortgages. L...

THE “Resources” VS IPV/DV -By Toni-Lee Danso

 Does anybody ever wonder why?  Why are people that you know are in precarious situations actually stay?  Why are people that you know who are unhappy where they are at continue to stay? Why is your friend who’s always talking to you about the domestic and emotional abuse that happens to her continuing to stay in that situation?  Why doesn’t she just leave?  Why is a teenage boy who is abused by his parents constantly, and deprived of basic necessities as punishment still staying in the house?  Why doesn’t he leave?  Why don’t they just use “All the resources” That we have in Canada to protect and provide for these people? It’s because there are no resources for them.  It’s always this continuous assumption that Canada has endless shelters, endless capacity, endless funding, endless subsidized housing … And that everybody is just able to pick up the phone and be in a new house by tomorrow. Like they can pack their bag and start a new life tomorrow...

TRAUMA INFORMED CARE by Toni-Lee Danso

 As we wrap up this year and slowly turn the corner into the year of 2025, we could only hope for an increase in awareness of trauma, mental health, and social determinants. This would create a far more inclusive and better trauma-informed society because it really does start here.  When people speak of TRAUMA INFORMED CARE, they do not mean to just “know” what has happened to a person or occurred in their life and leave it at that. But rather means to be aware of the repercussions and outcomes of such occurrences, as well as their social, mental and criminal impact so to better be able to care for particular individuals. We have learned about the SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF CRIME in my previous article (if you haven’t, please scroll and have a read :) ) but these have a lot in common with the concept of trauma informed care. These particular determinants are variables in the equation of trauma informed care and should always be considered when assessing and treating individuals wh...

HARM REDUCTION IS HEALTHCARE by Toni-Lee Danso

What are Harm Reduction Strategies? And why are they vital to those experiencing homelessness due to Substance Abuse and Drug Related Incidents/Offences?  Harm Reduction is the strategy implemented by particular organizations whom understand the likely mind of an addict or substance offender/abuser and acknowledge the struggles which they face with addiction. Particularly, this is used for those who are facing health challenges, mental health despair, and social barriers due to their relationship with drugs / substances. Harm Reduction strategies follow a "Client-First" instead of "Treatment First" approach which basically means they put the person first instead of in traditional rehabilitation "strategies” which lay a contingency of abstinence or sobriety before they can progress and obtain particular RIGHTS such as housing, healthcare, education.. etc. It's ridiculous. The Client and their needs come first with the goal of healing or at least managing the...

HOUSING CRISIS IN CANADA by Toni-Lee Danso

 Canada continues to face a housing crisis due to a variety of things. This has resulted in many people turning to the parks and streets as their home as well as turning to crime to support their own well-being and make a living. This has also resulted in more people, particularly women, remaining in unsafe homes and situations that they cannot flee because they have nowhere to go. It is important that we understand the cause and effect of the housing crisis to better understand the population we serve and to be compassionate to those who we see struggling with this.  Let’s outline a few contributors to the pandemic of housing insecurity.  Despite popular belief, the homeless population is not made up of “unsuccessful” people who “don’t want to work”. This is false. I do not have a definite statistic, but a percentage of those who are facing housing insecurity are of the working population or once were full time workers. It only takes ONE thing to change in your life in o...

Record Suspension

 I will be doing a short webinar next week about the benefits of a record suspension. We will also go over details about the process, cost, documents needed and everything you may need to know. I will post the link as soon as I get it set up!  Thanks :) 

Social Determinants of Crime by Toni-Lee Danso

 Social Determinants of crime. What are they? Let's find out✨✨ What is known as a "Social Determinant of crime" can be explained as the framework or contributing factors to someone's offending behaviours. This can also be looked upon on a larger scale as well, meaning it could also be the factors/ contributors of a particular social group, race, or demographic's offending behaviours. Some of these factors are: employment, status, education, accessibility, inclusivity, availability, and income. Meaning all of these factors are sources which will be used to determine someones lifestyle habits, advancement, and advantages. These ALSO mean that they will determine someone's lifestyle failures, demotion, and Disadvantages. You can think of these as the "reasons" that persons commit crime. And it is not an excuse but rather a systemic issue that is further developing into a PUBLIC issue and affecting the populations of most provinces in Canada. Most people...

Record Suspension vs Pardon

 What is the difference between a record suspension and a pardon? There is no difference. The two terms are used interchangeably for the same process. They are both just a process or application to expunge your criminal record for crimes committed in Canada.  The more common term was “ Pardon” And the newer term is “ Records suspension” But both mean the same thing.  These sort of life-changing processes can be intimidating and a bit confusing, but feel free to reach out for any additional assistance or clarification. Also, if you just have a general question, feel free to inquire.! 

RENTAL SUBSIDY

  Rental subsidy?   What is it?  A rental subsidy, AKA a housing subsidy, is a financial assistance program provided by the government to help people or families with low income to afford housing. It is used to reduce the amount of rent that individuals or families have to pay out of pocket…making housing more affordable. Rental subsidies goal isto ensure that everyone has access to stable housing.  Who is eligible to apply?   Low income households: your household income must be below a certain threshold to qualify for subsidy. In Canada, you generally have to make less than $35,000/year as a whole family or $20,000/year as an individual. Sometimes there are exceptions.  Residency: Typically, you need to be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident to be eligible for rental subsidies. Some exceptions may apply.  Priority Needs: Some programs evaluate and prioritize individuals or families with a demonstrated need for affordable housing, such as tho...

Record Suspension AKA Pardon

 Definition: A record suspension, also known as a pardon, is a legal process that removes a person's criminal record from public view. It helps individuals with a criminal record to reintegrate into society by giving them a fresh start. With a record suspension, their past convictions are no longer accessible to the general public or employers during background checks. It's a way to provide individuals with a second chance and opportunities for employment, housing, and other aspects of life. Simplified: A record suspension application in Canada is a process that allows individuals with a criminal record to have their record set aside. It provides them with a fresh start by removing certain convictions from their record. To apply for a record suspension, you need to meet eligibility criteria and follow the application process, which includes gathering necessary documents and paying a fee. It's a great opportunity to move forward and rebuild your life. Now... a criminal recor...

Assistance Services

Contact me wherever you found this link for help with: *Record Suspension Application (Pardon)  *Peace Bond Application or DV/IPV Solutions *Court Support  *Character Report πŸ“ * Structured Reference πŸ“„ *Improved Resume πŸ“‘ *Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities *Probationary Assistance πŸ”“ *Restorative Justice Information and Recommendations⚖️ *Rehabilitative Resources ⚕️⛑ * Housing support/assistance  *Specific Employment Opportunities πŸ“‹ And more Let me know how I can help you get ahead! And integrated into your community. πŸ’™