Types of Youth Records

What Are Youth Records

A youth record refers to any document that connects a youth to a case under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. It is not the same as a criminal record in the adult justice system.

A youth record usually includes your name, the arrest or charge dates, the criminal offences involved and the outcome of any court hearings, including the sentence. It may also contain information provided by family members, you, neighbours, former employers, school authorities and victims. And, it may contain special reports prepared by police, probation officers, youth workers, mental health professionals and others.

Who Can See a Youth Record

While information about you can  only be published under some circumstances, part of your record  can be shared or disclosed to certain people or agencies for specific purposes. This includes, for example:

• You, your lawyer, parents or other adults the court has allowed to help you
• Crown counsel
• The judge
• Police officers to assist in the investigation of any offence you are suspected of
• Agencies involved in extrajudicial measures or extrajudicial sanctions, or that prepare reports for youth justice cases
• The victim
• A social worker
• A person who provides care and support to you

How Long is a Youth Record Available

You or your lawyer can see the record any time. But, for everyone else, there are limits on the time for which the record will be available. The length is based on factors such as the case’s outcome or type of offence. If you commit another offence during the time the records are available, the period starts running again. The record for the first offence is available as long as the record for the second offence is accessible.