Purpose of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
The new laws of the Youth Justice Criminal Act (YJCA) took effect on April 1, 2003, in Canada. This act strives to teach youths to take responsibility for their actions and commits to showing them how these actions will affect their lives, families and communities.
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Rehabilitation Practices
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The act requires that the needs of and circumstances involving the youth be taken in account. This enables the courts and everyone involved to look at "the big picture," instead of just the crime.
Separate Courts
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Youths go to courts specially designed to avoid delays that are common in adult courts. Youths under the age of 18 will be participants in appropriate sentencing at youth facilities.
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Community Involvement
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The YJCA incorporates community efforts to try to reintegrate these youths as functioning members of society. It not only involves the offender and the victim but also utilizes the efforts of the community, teachers, volunteer organizations and psychologists to help guide the lives of the youth.
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References
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