Non-government organizations, also known as community agencies or non-profits, provide a variety of services and activities in the community and at various stages of the justice system. They are governed by voluntary boards of directors and make extensive use of volunteers to deliver programs. Some may also engage in public education activities or speak out on social policy issues that relate to developing safe communities.

Some non-government organizations provide services and programs to people directly involved in the criminal justice system, such as victims, witnesses or offenders. These services might include counselling and information for victims, victim-offender mediation programs, assistance with obtaining pardons, or supervision of offenders on release.

Other agencies provide services or support to parents, extended families, children, or spouses involved in family law or divorce courts.

There are also some service providers that may have interest in or occasional contact with the justice system, such as educators, mental health professionals, social workers, child welfare workers and others.