Ontario Launches Free Counselling Program for Jurors

New Program Providing Accessible and Confidential Supports

Ontario is supporting jurors by providing easier access to experienced and qualified counsellors.

The Juror Support Program is available to help Ontarians who have served as jurors at the end of a trial or a coroner's inquest, if and when they need it.

Jury duty is an important civic responsibility and can be a rewarding experience. However, sometimes it can be very difficult and stressful for jurors. The evidence and the testimony some jurors have to consider can be graphic and deal with very traumatic and violent crimes. In some cases, individuals have to take time away from their jobs, their families and their everyday lives. Talking to a qualified counsellor can help jurors after a trial or inquest.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses for jurors, and the program is completely confidential. Jurors can choose to receive counselling in-person, over the phone, by email or videoconference in English or French. They will also receive disability accommodation.

Supporting jurors to perform their civic duty and making counselling more easily accessible for those who need it is part of the government's plan to help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

• Jurors who have completed jury service can call 1-844-JUROR-ON (1-844-587-6766) to find out how to access the program.

• At any time during a trial or inquest, a juror can request counselling supports by making their concerns known to the judge or coroner.

• Before the Juror Support Program was established, the province covered the costs of counselling services to jurors by order of a judge.

• When requesting counselling, jurors will need to provide the location of the court where their jury trial or inquest took place, the start and end date of the trial/inquest and the name of the case or inquest.

• Participants will initially receive up to four one-hour counselling sessions. Jurors who feel they need additional counselling may be provided with up to four more sessions free of charge.