A community-based alternative to court that gives young people a second chance on a bad decision.
Youth Justice Committee volunteers help young people move through and past a minor offence by holding them accountable without holding them back. With support, young people from all walks of life turn their mistakes into opportunities to grow and give back to their communities.
Since 1996, Youth Justice Committees have provided youth with an alternative to the formal justice process. Volunteers help the young person, their family, and victims through a powerful experience of taking accountability, making amends, and creating a positive connection within the community.
Since that time, more than 90% of the 16,000 young people served so far have been successful and not re-entered the system on new charges.
In Calgary youth can be referred by Police or the Crown Prosecutor’s Office. For a youth to be eligible, it must be their first or second offence, be an eligible offence, accept responsibility for their actions and agree to participate.
Participating in a YJC has many benefits for everyone. YJC volunteers are caring neighbours who want young people to be successful and to make better choices in the future. Both the youth and their Parents/Guardians can explain the situation in their own words, and YJC Volunteers can help to address concerns. Young people have a chance to make amends to the victim and their community and gain access to resources or programs. If the young person is successful and stays out of trouble, their mistake will not hold them back from future employment or post-secondary pursuits.
Increased accountability and awareness of their actions
Learn to explain the situation in their own words
Develop positive relationships with adults in the community
Avoid a formal youth record if they remain crime-free for a period of 2 years
Case is handled expediently and efficiently
Family needs are considered. Referrals can be made to address family difficulties
Feel that someone is listening and willing to help
Have an opportunity to express how the crime has affected them
Restitution or personal service may be used to help repair the harm that was caused and restore the relationship.
Feel that someone is listening and willing to help
Shows youth that the community cares about them and their future
Opportunity to have a positive, effective impact on reducing youth crime
Provides an alternative to the court system for less serious offences
The community has an opportunity to participate in the administration of youth justice.
Are you between the ages of 12-17? Have you ever wondered what kinds of things young people can be charged for, and that for some offences young people might be referred to a Youth Justice Committee in their community? This Youth focused information session will provide young people with knowledge about the Youth Criminal Justice Act as well as Youth Justice Committees. Youth Justice Committees are a community-based alternative to court that gives young people a second chance on a bad decision. The session breaks down the process for a youth if they commit a crime or come into contact with the law, what the possibilities are if they get referred to the Youth Justice Committee Program and how they can turn a bad decision into a strength-based opportunity. Participants will also learn about the consequences of having a Youth Record and how it may hold them back from important things like going to post-secondary, getting a job and travelling. Youth will walk away from the session feeling confident in the knowledge gained regarding the Youth Criminal Justice Act and Youth Justice Committees and what it can mean for them.
Parents, ever wonder what would happen if your teenager was charged with a minor crime? Sometimes things can happen when we least expect it. This short and informative session will help you to be prepared by knowing what happens when young people are given the opportunity to be diverted from court, and learning how you can support your child or any young people you know. You will also know how you can participate in the process, what consequences your child may be given, and how success in the program can help to remove barriers to future success for your child. This Parent focused information session will provide information about the Youth Criminal Justice Act as well as Youth Justice Committees, which are a community-based alternative to court that gives young people a second chance on a bad decision. Youth Justice Committee volunteers help young people move through and past a minor offence by holding them accountable without holding them back. With support, young people from all walks of life turn their mistakes into opportunities to grow and give back to their communities.
Do you have knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act or Youth Justice Committees? Join this short and informative session to learn how you as a community member or as an agency can help provide support for not only your community but the youth in it, and how you can offer different resources for young people and the Youth Justice Committee program. You will walk away from this opportunity feeling confident in participating and talking to your own clients or community members about Youth Justice Committees.
Have you ever wondered what kinds of things young people can be charged for in Canada, and that for some offences young people might be referred to a Youth Justice Committee in their community rather than being taken into custody? This informative session provides facts about the Canadian Justice System, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Youth Justice Committees. Participants will also learn about the consequences of having a Youth Record and how it may affect them, or any young person in their life by holding them back from important things like going to post-secondary, getting a job, and travelling in/out of the Country. Participants will walk away from the session feeling confident in the knowledge gained regarding the Canadian Youth Criminal Justice Act and Youth Justice Committees.
For more information or to book a session please contact:
Adjoa Chintoh-Silva (She/Her)
Program Director
achintohsilva@cyjs.ca
Head Office Address900 – 620 7th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0Y8
General Emailinfo@cyjs.ca