STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Recognizing that the criminal justice system must serve the needs of all people, the Canadian Criminal Justice Association is an umbrella organization representing all elements of the criminal justice system, including the public. It exists to promote rational, informed, and responsible debate in order to develop a more humane, equitable, and effective justice system. CCJA OBJECTIVES - To promote improved criminal justice programs, policies and legislation, especially crime prevention programs. - To recognize and repair the harm done by crime to victims, offenders and the community as a whole. - To encourage the public authorities, voluntary sector and citizens to collaborate in improving our criminal justice system. - To foster a greater public understanding of criminal justice issues. PUBLIC EDUCATION MANDATE The Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA) Public Education Fund has been established in order to provide the Association with the resources required to carry out its mission. The fact that the publications and other initiatives of the CCJA can impact the thinking of those responsible for criminal justice legislation and policy in Canada makes the CCJA a national forum in which all views may come together and be disseminated to educate the public and help achieve consensus on issues, directions, policy and laws.