Youth Justice Service Framework

Youth justice services within the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), has three interconnected program areas:

• Community Youth Justice,
• Youth Custody, and
• Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services.

We are connected to a broader system that includes the social sector, police, courts, victims, and communities.

We acknowledge that Indigenous youth continue to be overrepresented within the youth justice system. We are seeking to engage with Indigenous Peoples to help inform a new approach to youth justice services, founded on cultural safety and trauma-informed care.

We also recognize overrepresentation exists across other racialized and diverse groups.

In keeping with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, we are transforming our services by working together and enhancing supports to positively influence:

• youth who are involved in the justice system,
• youth who have the potential of becoming involved in the justice system if their service needs are unmet, and
• victims and communities.

To achieve this goal, youth justice is working toward the development of a Youth Justice Service Framework, beginning with engaging internally and externally to hear about what is needed long term. Please join us in this important work to ensure youth have access to the services they need to support and guide them to ensure healing and accountability.