Young Offenders Act (YCJA)

In 1982, the Young Offenders Act [YOA] was established. It replaced the Juvenile Delinquents Act [JDA] of 1908 and its main objective was to guarantee the rights and freedoms of Canadian Youth were being met. Many revisions and opportunities arose with the passing of the YOA. With the passing of the YOA, it provided the young offenders of Canada with extended rights, chances for rehabilitation, and also therapy institutions. The YOA takes into concern such elements of age, maturity, reasonableness, and seriousness of the crimes committed (Barnhorst & Barnhorst, 2004). Barnhorst & Barnhorst (2004) explained that the act was useful to Canadian Youth for an abundant of time however, some weakness become clear since the act was passed. Under the
For a youth to return to society and become a respectable citizen of their community it is necessary to realize the special needs of youth and take into consideration these needs when selecting programs to rehabilitate and control these young offenders. "Rehabilitation and reintegration" (YCJA: Summary and Background, para.7) is the key through social workers and/or the monitoring of parents which the YOA did not recognize. As stated in Clause 90 (2) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act "When a youth worker is imposed to committing a young person to custody...must maximize his or her chances for reintegration into the community..." the youth worker or guardian must also manage, supply maintain, and aid in order to make sure that the youth respects the conditions and follows through with their program. To avoid the young person getting involved with potentially troublesome groups, the youth worker or guardian can recommend alternative activities as going to school, getting a hobby, joining a sports team, and/or getting a job. These optional actions will help to promote a more positive behavior in the young person and more success to his or her
With holding youths accountable in a fair manner, it could make a great contribution to the protection of not only to the youths within society but also the adult citizens. The article youth criminal justice act: new directions and implementation issues (2004) explained that "it can make a contribution to the protection of the public in the long-term. Parliaments references to protection of the public indicate that such protection is a desired long-term outcome or result of the activities of the youth justice system". The article goes on further to explain that the emphasis of protection of youth crime can protect the citizens within society at a greater