Ontario’s youth justice system

Ontario’s youth justice system provides programs and services for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are in conflict with the law. The youth justice system is separate from the adult justice system.

When a youth breaks the law, police will look to the Youth Criminal Justice Act to decide if charges are warranted and in spirit of the law. This law recognizes that youth aged 12 to 17 at the time of their offence have different needs from adults and require different responses and protections because of their age.

Ontario’s programs and services:

  • are based on research about reducing reoffending behaviour
  • seek to improve outcomes for youth
  • align with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
  • are responsive to the physical, mental and emotional levels of development, language and cultural or spiritual beliefs and practices

Prevent youth crime

You can help youth stay out of trouble

Learn about resources in the community and at school that can help youth with mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, to find a job and to graduate high school.

If a youth is arrested or has broken the law

If someone is under 18 years of age at the time of an offence, police must contact their parent or guardian if they are arrested.

What to do if a youth breaks the law

Find out what happens if a youth commits a crime. Youth can be charged, detained or told to attend community-based programs as an alternative to custody and detention.

What to do if a youth is arrested

Find out what to do if a youth was arrested and they are under 18. The police are required to contact a youth’s parents, and it is important to be prepared to provide that support, as it is imperative to a youth’s success.

How we hold youth accountable

Youth in conflict with the law are held accountable for their actions through proportionate measures. This means the measure or consequence applied to the youth is proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and the degree to which the youth is responsible.

A youth in conflict with the law may:

  • get a warning or formal caution from the police
  • be referred to a community program
  • be charged, sent to court and, if found guilty, sentenced to probation or custody

What happens when a youth has been found guilty in court

Learn about community-based and custody sentences. Find support to help youth rehabilitate and reintegrate into the community successfully.

Find community programs

There are community-based programs that are tailored to the needs of youth who have been in conflict with the law which can help them:

  • take responsibility for their actions
  • make better choices
  • get an education or job
  • learn important life skills
  • contribute to their communities

Contact 211 Ontario for more information.

Volunteer or work in youth justice

Learn about volunteering and job opportunities in Ontario’s youth justice sector.

Your rights and responsibilities

Contact

For more information on Youth Justice system you can contact your regional office