Youth Justice Fact Sheet

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A New Approach to Youth Justice: an Overview

On February 19, 2002, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) received Royal Assent. The new law took effect on April 1, 2003. It replaced the old Young Offenders Act and is an important part of the Youth Justice Renewal Initiative, underway since 1998.

Taking responsibility

The youth justice system responds in ways that hold youth accountable for their misconduct and help them understand the impact of their offence. Victims, the young person, families and the community are encouraged to work together to support that young person getting back on track.

Fair and proportionate responses that encourage rehabilitation and reintegration

The Youth Criminal Justice Act provides for fair and effective sentences and responses that relate to the seriousness of the crime. Those sentences will also address the needs and circumstances of the youth and promote rehabilitation.

Specialized court system for youth

The youth justice system ensures that young people are tried in youth court separate from adults, where all the protections suitable to their age are in place. Instead of transfers to adult court (which can cause delays of up to two years before a trial can take place), youth courts will be able to impose an adult sentence for the most serious offences under the new system. Offenders under the age of 18, including those who receive adult sentences, would be presumed to serve the sentence in a youth facility.

Community involvement

The Youth Criminal Justice Act encourages victims, families, volunteer groups, teachers, psychologists and the wider community to participate in many different ways in the youth justice system. The YCJA also promotes the use of Youth Justice Committees, which are groups of citizens who can help administer the law or participate in any programs or services for young people.

Making it happen

The Government of Canada has committed close to $1 billion over five years for cost-sharing agreements that will help provinces and territories implement youth justice renewal. The Government will also provide additional funding for innovative community-based pilot projects, partnerships, training and other efforts that will support the renewal of the youth justice system.