About Youth Justice Services in Ontario
The Youth Criminal Justice Act is the legislation in Canada that deals with young people who break the law.
The legislation applies to young people who were 12 to 17 years old when the action they are accused of was committed.
When a young person breaks the law, police use the Youth Criminal Justice Act to decide what action they will take. A young person may be dealt with outside of the formal court process, or may be sent to court. A young person who is found guilty, will be given a sentence by the court.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services provides programs and services for young people who:
- have been dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, or
- are at risk of breaking the law.
The ministry's programs and services:
- hold young people accountable for their actions
- provide opportunities for young people to make better choices
- provide services that address youths' issues and help them not to get into trouble with the law again
- help build safe communities and prevent crime.
Young people in conflict with the law have very different needs from adults. That is why Ontario is moving youth out of adult correctional facilities and into separate secure custody facilities dedicated to young people. These facilities will provide young people with effective programs and more opportunity for rehabilitation.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is responsible for court processes for young people.
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has responsibility for the police.
