Black Youth and the Criminal Justice System: Summary Report of an Engagement Process in Canada

Annex 1: Stages of the Criminal Justice System, The Youth Criminal Justice System, Possible Challenges & Opportunities for Discussion

The image illustrates four stages of the criminal justice system. The first is titled “Policing” and is represented by a police building icon. It outlines the following possible challenges and opportunities for discussion: racial profiling; over/under policing; excessive use of force; Black representation in police; accountability for actions; community liaison officers/justice workers; and, alternative measures (diversion)**.

The second stage of the criminal justice system is titled “Courts” and is represented by a scale of justice icon. It outlines the following possible challenges and opportunities for discussion: court discretion; pre-trial detention; Black and other legal aid and action centers; Black representation in court; access to court workers and navigators; Black community-specific youth courts and restorative justice options; differences in sentences; and, alternative measures (diversion)**.

The third stage of the criminal justice system is titled “Corrections (jail, probation)” and is represented by a correctional facility icon. It outlines the following possible challenges and opportunities for discussion: access to culturally* appropriate supports, programs, services; unfair or severe treatment in detention facilities (segregation, solitary confinement, maximum security); Black representation in corrections; and, reintegration and transition planning.

The fourth and final stage of the criminal justice system is titled “Community reintegration” and is represented by an icon with two hands holding each other. It outlines the following possible challenges and opportunities for discussion: access to culturally* appropriate reintegration supports, programs, services; Black/other navigators and mentors; support from probation officers and youth workers; and, housing, education, employment and income support.

The single asterisk (”*”) notes that for this placement, the term “culturally” also means religiously and spiritually.

The double asterisk (“**”) notes that police and Crown attorneys can use alternative or extrajudicial measures. Examples of alternative/extrajudicial measures include: police warnings, police or Crown cautions, referrals to community programs, youth justice committees and conferences, extrajudicial sanctions, etc.