Youth Justice Services Division

Youth Justice Services (YJS) Division is made up of two branches that deliver youth justice services within the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

The Youth Justice and Forensic Psychiatric Services branch has three interconnected program areas:

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

The Youth Justice Policy, Practice, Performance and Partnership Branch leads research, engagement, and partner collaboration to identify emerging needs and best practices—and develops responsive policy and program supports with a focus on continuous service improvement.

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

Consistent with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Youth Justice Act we aim to increase collaboration with partners and enhance supports to positively influence services for:

• 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.

We are pleased to announce the release of the Youth Justice Services (YJS) Service Framework. The purpose of the Framework is to provide a foundation and direction for Youth Justice Services and is informed by extensive engagement with staff, partners, communities, youth, and families as well as reviews of academic literature, partner reports and recommendations, and justice strategies.