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Youth Criminal Justice Act Research Paper

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Imagine you're a parent, and your child has just gotten into trouble with the law. They are taken into custody, and the whole time, you are worried sick because you know that the current youth crime system can mean that your child could share a cell with a rapist, or murder. Before the Youth Criminal Justice Act was enacted, the youth of Canada would be sent to court or jail over minor things, such as petty theft or not showing up to court. They could be put into a cell where they share a room with a rapist or murderer, scared to death of what could happen to them. The Youth Criminal Justice act, enacted in 2003, ensured that troubled teens aged 12 to 17 could instead of being thrown in jail where they may even be further influenced by more …show more content…

It is more fair and equitable compared to the past laws, as it allows for restorative justice, reintegration, and rehabilitation.

In many cases, after a traumatic event, kids or teenagers are more likely to make bad decisions and/or break the law. After his father died, a teenager named Alex began to make bad decisions, going into a downward spiral. His decisions lead to him getting in trouble with the law, and his mother, disappointed with what he was doing to himself, kicked him out, leaving him homeless. Shortly following that, he and his cousin were involved in an altercation with a man and he, along with his cousin, were arrested for assault. The police took them into custody and in recognizing Alex's potential, recommended Second Chances. Second Chances is a prevention and rehabilitation program, designed to get teenagers with troubled pasts involved with nature and the community. It gives them opportunities to benefit their community, such as renovating a classrooms or working outdoors. Not only does this program recognize that these children have difficulties in making connections in the …show more content…

Instead of going to court, and waiting weeks, even months for a court date, young offenders go to the program, which gives them the opportunity to make up for what they did and take responsibility for their actions. It also provides them with the chance to face the community and the people affected by their crime, and realize the impact their actions had on other people. Ariel, while in a fight with her Mother, shattered a window and was charged with vandalism. Police, instead of taking her into custody, recommended her to a program called Restoring Justice in Rural Communities. The community worker negotiated a restorative plan in which she and her Mother could actually talk to each other and work things out, giving both of them the chance the hear the other side of the story. They were scheduled time during the week to spend one-on-one time with each other,so they can strengthen their relationship and put an end to the fighting. Restoring Justice in Rural Communities leaves youth without a criminal record and gives teenagers the opportunity to see how their actions affected other people, something they would've never experienced in

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