Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program

In 2003, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) introduced a new sentencing option applicable to young persons guilty of the most serious violent offences and who are affected by mental health issues. An Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) order is the most serious youth sentencing option available under the YCJA.

The Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) Program was introduced to provide ongoing funding to the provinces and territories to ensure that they have the necessary specialized resources for the assessment and treatment of serious violent youth offenders with mental health issues, as required for IRCS orders in accordance with paragraph 42(2)(r) and subsection 42(7) of the YCJA. As of April 1st, 2008 case funding can also be accessed for other exceptional cases of serious violent youth offenders who did not qualify for an IRCS sentence but who otherwise require and consent to mental health treatment.

Why this program exists

It is estimated that at least 20% to 25% of the roughly 500 most serious violent youth offenders each year may suffer from various mental health issues that must be addressed if they are to be rehabilitated and safely reintegrated into the community. This Program exists to ensure that all jurisdictions can afford the necessary specialized resources required to properly diagnose and treat these issues.

For more information, please visit the Youth Justice Services 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