Harassment, Conduct Deficiencies of a Sexual Nature, Harassment of a Sexual Nature, and Crimes of a Sexual Nature Prevention, Reporting and Response for Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers

All adults working in direct contact with Cadets and JCRs are required to undergo screening. This means they have undergone a Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening upon joining and will do so every five years thereafter.

In addition, all youth and adults involved in the Cadet and JCR Program are required to act in accordance with the values and directives of CJCR Gp and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as well as the laws of Canada.

Every year all Cadet and JCR Program participants and adult instructors must review, discuss, and then sign a list of expected behaviours and those that are not acceptable. These behaviours are summarized in the following two Codes of Conduct:

• CJCR Gp Order 5019-6: 5019-6 Codes of Conduct - Canada.ca and
• CJCR Gp Order 10032 JCR Code of Conduct and Appearance: 10032 JCR Conduct and Appearance - Canada.ca.

Learn more by consulting the web sites of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers and the  Leadership of the Programs.

If you have witnessed, been told about, or been involved in an incident of harassment or abuse, you are encouraged to report this incident to any adult program leader for assistance.

All Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers, CA staff, and adult staff supporting the Cadet and JCR programs are trained in reporting and response requirements and procedures. They are trained to assist you or someone you know who has been affected by harassment, misconduct, or crimes of a sexual nature.

You may also seek help by contacting the groups listed in the “Additional Resources” found at the end of this document.

The Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs) 13-24, Harassment Prevention and Resolution form the CJCR Gp policy that defines procedures for reporting and responding to harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment or crimes of a sexual nature. Currently, the DND is revising this policy so that it aligns with current practice as well as identifies resources for dealing with harassment and abuse.

Once they know about an abuse or harassment incident, adults who support the Cadets and JCR Program are responsible for taking appropriate action.

You can expect adult supervisors to take the following measures:

• Ensure your safety and the safety of another affected person.
• Take notes to document what you say and what they see.
• Report any allegation or suspicion of a criminal nature to the proper authorities.
• Once an incident has been reported to the authorities, ensure that your Chain of Command is informed. Your supervisor will do this as appropriate, and in accordance with privacy laws and policy. The corps, squadron or patrol should also follow Significant Incident program policy, as required.
• Once informed, the Commanding Officer or Officer in Charge may also be required to inform your parents or guardians. The Officer will do this if you are under the age of majority for your province or territory and if the disclosure does not contravene the Privacy Act.

Although our office cannot investigate allegations of criminal activity, we can provide you with resources to help you find the support you need. We can also assist you if you have been treated unfairly when accessing the DND/CAF services. Contact the DND/CAF Ombudsman office. We are here to help!

The Promoting Healthy and Safe Experience (PHASE) program was designed by the Canadian Red Cross to help you become aware of emotional, social, and health supports that are available to you and your peers in your community. The program will also guide you on how to be an ally, intervene as a bystander, and to get help.

PHASE uses a psychological first aid approach (i.e. Look-Listen-Link-Live) to help you to discuss and analyze scenarios in order to determine next steps for support. This mandatory training is modeled on the Canadian Red Cross Psychological First Aid principles. These principles are based on establishing a connection with you and your peers in a non-judgmental manner.

PHASE provides you with tools to:

• interact positively with others,
• stay safe in the face of harm and risks,
• recognize inappropriate and harmful behaviour, and
• seek help from available resources when needed.

As part of your first PHASE lesson of the year, you will develop your own Safety Plan and Support Circle. This safety plan will include what to do if you need help as well as who and how to contact to obtain that help.

All CIC officers, CA and adult staff who support the CJCR Gp Program are trained in reporting and response requirements. In addition, they know the procedures to follow when someone is affected by conduct deficiencies of a sexual nature, harassment of a sexual nature, crimes of a sexual nature, harassment, or abuse.

Learn more by consulting the web site of the Leadership of the programs.

• Support Resources for Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers, and Adult Staff: This CJCR Gp webpage provides links to current resources for Cadets, JCRs and adult leaders who require help and support. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/cadets-junior-canadian-rangers/support-resources-for-cadets-junior-canadian-rangers-and-adult-staff.html

• Kids Help Phone is a civilian service that provides support to young people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may contact them by calling 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868. When you can't talk about it, text about it. - Kids Help Phone

• The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) is a confidential, free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CFMAP may provide counselling sessions for Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. The contact number for CFMAP is 1-800-268-7708.

• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC): SMSRC provides support services to Cadets and JCRs aged 16-18 years and for currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence public service employees affected by sexual misconduct. However, all Cadets and JCRs can reach out for guidance and advice. The contact number for SMSRC is 1-844-750-1648. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/sexual-misconduct-response.html

• DND Conflict Solutions and Services (CSS): All defense team members can connect with CSS for support and assistance with submitting, tracking, and resolving complaints. Staff assisting Cadets and JCRs with conflicts may reach out to the staff at CSS for information, guidance, and support. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/conflict-misconduct/integrated-conflict-complaint-management.html