Frequently asked questions

and our best answers
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Question

Do I have to participate?

Answer

We won’t make you attend appointments, but there may be consequences if you don’t show up. If you don’t want to participate we can talk to you about why, and then, if you want, we can help you speak with your probation officer.

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Question

When can I see my worker?

Answer

Your worker will check with you to see what times work, and your probation officer may suggest how often you should meet each week. You can also meet more often if you need help with something.

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Question

What will we do together?

Answer

It depends on what you need, but your worker can help with things like rides to appointments, finding recreational activities, a job search, getting into school, and meeting the requirements of your Court Order. We can help you navigate the system if you want, and back you up if you need it (advocate for you). If you’re having a hard time we can talk about what’s going on and we can also buy you the odd snack! If there’s something you want to do, just ask and we’ll see if it’s possible.

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Question

Do you have to talk to my parents or teacher?

Answer

It may be necessary for your worker to check in with your parents and/or teacher, especially if it relates to your court order.  Generally we do not need to share details of what we talk about. Your worker will discuss this with you more fully.  We also realize that sometimes there are good reasons to keep things private, so not sharing might be important.

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Question

Do you tell my probation officer what I talk about and do?

Answer

If you are doing things that are illegal (including against your Court Order) your worker needs to tell your probation officer. They will give you the option of talking to your probation officer yourself first, or they can help you with that conversation. Other than that, most of what we talk about can be kept private. Your worker will always talk with you before sharing any information.

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Question

Will I get into trouble if I don’t meet with my worker?

Answer

We are required to tell your probation officer if you are not meeting with us, but will try to talk to you about what is going on before we do this.  Your worker will talk to you about possible consequences of not meeting with them at the start of service.

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Question

Can I get a different ISSP worker if I don’t like the one I am assigned?

Answer

Most places only have one worker, so if that’s that case then switching isn’t possible. If there is more than one worker where you live, you can talk to you probation officer or the ISSP program manager about what your options are.

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Question

Can I work with my ISSP worker after I am done probation?

Answer

Sometimes you can work with your ISSP worker after you are off your court orders but this would need to be discussed between your worker, probation officer and the program manager.

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Question

Will my ISSP worker go to court with me?

Answer

For sure. Let them know ahead of time you would like that, so they can put the date in their schedule. They can support you through it and help you understand how what happens in Court will affect you.

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Question

What if I have questions my worker doesn’t have the answers for?

Answer

If your worker doesn’t know the answer to a question, they will help you find the information you need. For example, they might help you with an online search, or figure out who in the community would know the answer and help you speak with that person.

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