The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) aims to provide long-term public protection when it comes to Criminal Code offences committed by adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. The goal of the YCJA is to make these adolescents responsible for their actions through measures that are appropriate for the seriousness of the offence and the young person’s degree of responsibility. The goal is to strengthen respect for social values through repair of harm caused, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The YCJA helps prevent crime by focusing on the risks of repeat offences and minimizing the chances that the adolescent will become caught up in a life of delinquency.

The CISSS de Laval applies the YCJA through its Young Offenders Service of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP). To fulfill the DYP’s role, youth workers from the provincial Director of Youth Protection intervene at several steps of the legal process. 

They conduct evaluations and provide referrals for adolescents as part of the extrajudicial sanctions program. They provide their expertise for pre-sentence reports to help the Court make an informed decision as to the best sentence in the context of the personal and family history and environment of an adolescent found guilty of an offence.  They follow up on custodial sentences, probations, and the repair of harm done to the community.

Access to the Young Offenders Service is done through a referral from the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or through the Court of Québec, Youth Division.

For any questions about the YCJA, call 450-975-4060, extension 4006, to reach the administrative officer who can direct your call.