Training & Mentorship

The Viola Desmond Justice Institute is committed to advancing the quality, integrity, and influence of Impact of Race and Cultural Assessments (IRCAs) through a comprehensive annual training program. This program is designed to accredit new assessors, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity required to produce assessments that are insightful, impactful, and instrumental in promoting justice. 

  • The primary goal of the training program is to train IRCA assessors who are both skilled in writing but also deeply attuned to the complexities of race, culture, and systemic bias in the legal system.

  • The program is designed to evolve continually, incorporating new research, legal developments, and feedback from past participants. This ensures that the training remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the best practices in the field.

To become an IRCA Assessor with VDJI, you must have an MSW or PhD in Social work and have either:

  • Completed training through the ANSJI (link to partnerships) National Training Program or;

  • Been mentored through ANSJI by an experienced IRCA Assessor


Contact us  if you are interested in being trained as an IRCA Assessor.

The Annual Accreditation Program is pleased to offer:

  • Structured Curriculum

  • Accreditation

  • Comprehensive Training Materials and Content

  • Expert Contributions

  • In-Depth Modules

  • Resource Library

Bilingual Training Availability

  • Language Inclusivity: Recognizing the linguistic diversity of Canada and the importance of accessibility, the training program is designed to be offered in both English and French. Separate trainings ensure that all participants can engage fully and benefit from the program in the language they are most comfortable with.

  • Cultural Competency: The inclusion of both English and French training options not only caters to linguistic preferences but also aligns with our commitment to cultural competency. It ensures that IRCA assessors can effectively communicate and address the cultural and linguistic nuances relevant to the populations they serve.

The training program at the Viola Desmond Justice Institute embodies our commitment to excellence, education, and empowerment in the field of IRCA writing. By providing this rigorous, comprehensive, and inclusive training, we aim to equip a new generation of IRCA assessors with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact in the justice system, contributing to a fairer, more equitable society.