Youth Corrections Statistics Released

Yesterday, Statistics Canada released a report entitled Youth custody and community services that shows that fewer young people aged 12 to 17 are being admitted to youth corrections since the enactment of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

Among the report highlights:

"In 2005/2006, the third year following the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), there were 3,724 youth admitted to sentenced custody, 14% fewer than the previous year and 18% fewer than in 2003/2004, the fiscal year in which the YCJA was implemented. Declines occurred in both secure and open custody admissions. "

"There were 12,550 admissions to probation in 2005/2006, marking a 2% decline from the previous year and a 24% decrease since the implementation of the YCJA in 2003/2004. Probation continued to account for 37% of all admissions to youth correctional services programs."

Enacted on April 1, 2003, the YCJA's aim was to achieve a more balanced approach to youth crime, with the most serious delinquents serving longer sentences, and youth who have committed less serious offences being diverted to community services.