THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT The Youth Criminal

THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) replaced the Young Offenders Act (YOA) in 2003. Major changes: Extrajudical measures Sentencing and treatment of serious, violent, and repeat offenders. Custody and reintegration into the community. Publication of names and treatment of records.

YCJA: EXTRAJUDICAL MEASURES The YCJA encourages measures other than court proceedings to hold youth accountable. Extrajudicial measures are presumed to be adequate to hold first- time, non-violent youth accountable. The YCJA encourages youth the repair the harm they’ve done. The YCJA allows the use of warnings, police cautions and referrals to community programs to deal with youth offences.

YCJA: SENTENCING The YCJA provides for flexibility in sentencing by: Allowing a Youth Justice Court the power to impose adult sentences in extreme circumstances. Permit victim impact statements in Youth Justice Court Encouraging sentences such as compensation or restitution to the victim Youth sentences for first degree murder and second degree murder have maximums of 10 years and 7 years respectively.

YCJA: CUSTODY AND REINTEGRATION Youths will be held separately from adults to reduce their exposure to adult criminals. Custody reserved for serious, violent offenders Youth reaching adult age during custody may be transferred to and adult facility Youth can be returned to custody for breach of conditions

YCJA: PUBLICATION Allows publication of names of youths who receive adult sentences Young offenders given a youth sentence for murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, or repeat violent offences may have their names published Names of youths that are at large can be published