Youth Justice Services Funding Program

In Canada, the federal government and the provincial/territorial governments have different yet complementary responsibilities with respect to youth justice. While the federal government is responsible for youth justice legislation (which falls under criminal law), provinces and territories are responsible for the provision of the various services and programs for young persons in conflict with the law. Given the obvious need for a range of appropriate services to support the application of the federal legislation, the Youth Justice Services Funding Program provides provinces and territories with financial assistance in the delivery of selected services and programs.

In 2006, the Program’s objectives and terms and conditions were realigned to more directly support current federal priorities.  The current terms and conditions focus on supporting the services most likely to: a) encourage proportionate and timely accountability measures for unlawful behaviour; b) encourage effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons into their communities; and c) target the formal court process and custodial measures to the most serious offenders.

Why this program exists

Before 1984, provinces and territories received some federal funding for youth justice services under the Canada Assistance Plan (CAP). When the Young Offenders Act (YOA) was passed in 1985, the Juvenile Justice Services Program, now renamed the Youth Justice Services Funding Program, was initiated as a distinct program that coincided with the YOA.

The main objective of the Youth Justice Services Funding Program was, and still is, to provide financial support to provinces and territories in their delivery of selected programs and services consistent with the federal youth justice legislation. Although the nature of the agreements has changed considerably over the years to reflect a better and more efficient targeting of federal funding to priority areas, this program remains an essential complement to the federal youth justice legislative framework.

For more information, please see the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Funding Program

Contact Information

Programs Branch
Department of Justice Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA
K1A 0H8

Telephone: 613 941-4123
Fax: 613 941-5446
E-mail: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca