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A Strategy for the Renewal of Youth Justice
Key Directions for the Renewal of Youth Justice
Strong and fair legislation will provide an important foundation for the renewal. Legislation alone, however, is not enough to protect Canadians. A multifaceted approach will be adopted, including prevention and measures targeted at the root causes of delinquency
All Canadians have an interest in the development of our children and youth. Effectively addressing youth crime is a challenge for all Canadians and all governments within Canada. Many communities have already accepted the challenge and are identifying measures to prevent crime and correct the behaviour of young people who have come into conflict with the law. This trend will be encouraged. Co-operative approaches to youth justice issues involving families, communities, the voluntary sector, victims and mentors will promote effective and enduring solutions to youth crime.
The goal of youth justice renewal is to reduce youth crime through three complementary strategies:
1. Prevention and Meaningful Alternatives
The best way to deal with youth crime is to prevent it - through community-based crime prevention and by addressing the social conditions associated with the root causes of delinquency.
A number of alternatives to the formal justice system can be employed effectively to deal with the majority of non-violent young offenders - such as family-group conferencing, diversion programs and police cautioning. These alternative approaches hold youth accountable for their behaviour, acknowledge and repair the harm caused to the victim and the community and help to instil or reinforce values such as responsibility and respect for others.
2. Meaningful Consequences for Youth Crime
Young people who commit crimes will be held responsible and accountable for their actions. The consequences for the crimes will depend on the seriousness of the offence and on the particular circumstances of the offender. Firm measures will be taken to protect the public from violent and repeat young offenders. Community-based penalties are often more effective than custody and will be encouraged for lower-risk, non-violent offenders - particularly measures that make clear to the youth the damage caused by the crime and its impact on others and which require steps to undo the harm done. These measures foster respect both for the legal system and for underlying social values.
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3. Rehabilitation and Reintegration
The youth justice system is partly premised on the belief that the vast majority of young offenders, with proper guidance and support, can overcome past criminal behaviour and develop into law-abiding citizens. Successful rehabilitation and reintegration are important because of the obvious fact that young people sentenced to custody return to their communities at some point. Rehabilitation is particularly important for serious, violent offenders, including those youth receiving adult sentences.
Effective programs that guide and assist a young person's return to the community protect society and support law-abiding conduct. Sentences should instil a sense of responsibility and encourage the participation of the youth in constructive measures that involve the victim, the family and the community.
