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Youth Criminal Justice Act Essay

595 Words3 Pages

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a Canadian law that was established in 2003, replacing the Young Offenders Act. The YCJA was created with the intention of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders, as well as ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions. The act recognizes that youth are still developing and should be treated differently than adult offenders. In this essay, we will explore the key aspects of the YCJA and how it has affected the Canadian justice system.

One of the primary goals of the YCJA is to provide young offenders with opportunities to reintegrate into society. This is achieved through measures such as community service and restorative justice. According to the Canadian Department of Justice, the YCJA "encourages the use of extrajudicial measures, such as warnings or referrals to community programs, to address less serious offences." This approach has been successful in reducing the number of young people who end up in the criminal justice system. A study conducted by the Canadian government found that "the rate of youth aged 12 to 17 accused of a crime decreased by 41% between 2003 and 2018." …show more content…

The act emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of a young person's criminal behavior. This may involve counseling, therapy, or educational programs. According to a report by the Canadian Bar Association, "the YCJA is designed to ensure that youth receive appropriate support and guidance to help them move beyond their offending behavior and become law-abiding members of society." This approach has been successful in reducing recidivism rates among young offenders. A study by the Canadian government found that "the rate of youth reoffending within two years of being released from custody has declined by 12% between 2003 and

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