A Strategy for the Renewal of Youth Justice

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A Need for Balance

The objective of this strategy is the protection of society by reducing youth crime.

Protection of society is, first and foremost, achieved by preventing crime. This requires concerted effort by all levels of government and other partners employing preventive approaches designed to address the root causes of crime. Crime prevention is a significant part of the government's efforts to reduce crime, is especially important for young people, who are more susceptible to environmental influences, and carries long-lasting benefits for society.

Society is also protected, however, by having a youth justice system that commands respect, fosters responsibility, ensures accountability and makes it clear that violations of the law will meet with meaningful consequences.

Young people who commit crimes must be held accountable and responsible for their actions. They must learn that criminal behaviour offends society's collective values and is met with consequences. It is important to recognize, however, that often the most meaningful consequences for the vast majority of non-violent young offenders, their victims and communities are those that instruct youth about the impact of the crime on others and require that efforts be made to repay those who were hurt. This fosters respect not only for the legal system but for underlying social values.

An effective youth justice system must be capable of responding to the range of crimes committed by young people. The government has made progress in addressing adult crime by taking firm measures with violent and high-risk offenders while encouraging community-based alternatives for lower-risk, non-violent offenders. Different approaches are also appropriate for the small number of young offenders who commit very violent crimes and for the vast majority of non-violent young offenders.

The belief in the rehabilitative capacity of young people is a fundamental principle of the youth justice system. Successful rehabilitation protects society and prevents further victimization, particularly since youth return to their communities at a relatively young age. This fact makes rehabilitation especially important for violent young offenders. Rehabilitation is also a key part of society’s responsibility towards young people.

The renewal of youth justice thus proceeds on several fronts: prevention to address the root causes of youth crime; meaningful consequences for youth crime; and rehabilitation to help young people turn away from crime. It is a strategy that includes reform of our youth justice legislation but extends beyond it.

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