A Youth Justice Committee is made up of citizens who live or work in your community. They volunteer to work with young people in conflict with the law, as well as their families, victims, the legal system and the community, to find appropriate, meaningful sanctions for the young person. In Calgary, there are 15 Youth Justice Committees that serve over 270 communities. These volunteers are interested in supporting young people and trained to assist the government in administering the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program.
Formerly known as the Alternative Measures Program (AMP), the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is an alternative to the court system for young people aged 12 up to 18 who have committed a less-serious type of offence. The young person is diverted from the court system and instead, appears before a Youth Justice Committee in their community who is authorized to deal with the young person and their crime. Section 18 of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act provides an opportunity for citizens to become directly involved in the administration of youth justice by forming Youth Justice Committees (YJCs).
For further information, see Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, Government of Alberta.
The police are encouraged to consider the least intrusive response to youth crime, while holding young people accountable for their actions. The Crown attorney also has the duty to respond to youth crime in the least intrusive manner. When a warning, caution, or referral is thought to be inadequate to deal with a young person (because of the seriousness of the crime, the nature and number of previous offences, or any other aggravating factors), the police or Crown attorney can utilize the Extrajudicial Sanctions program. Getting referred to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is a privilege extended to your child and provides them with an opportunity to deal with their offence outside of the court system. A youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two-year period (if your child commits no further crimes). When young people have committed an eligible offence, accept responsibility for their actions, and agree to participate in the program, they are eligible for Extrajudicial Sanctions.
It encourages family support and responsibility for your child. It provides an opportunity for you as parents to seek support and access resources in dealing with your child. It gives your child the chance to speak for themselves. It provides the opportunity for them to avoid a criminal record (your child’s youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two-year period if they commit no further crimes).
A volunteer will contact you and your child and set up a time and date for a “Panel Meeting”. There will usually be three volunteers at the meeting. At this meeting, which usually takes about one hour, Youth Justice Committee members will question your child about the incident. They may also ask other questions about their home, school, and social life in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will ask about special interests, activities and goals your child might have. You are encouraged to attend the meeting with your child. YJC members will determine sanctions, then your child will be required to sign an agreement stating that they will complete the sanctions within the given time frame.
Youth Justice Committee members at the meeting may ask for your input regarding your child’s behavior, any consequences you have assigned at home, and what conditions you consider appropriate for your child. They may ask about any concerns that you have about your child.
Your support is crucial. The agreement made between the Youth Justice Committee and your child is meant to ensure that your child accepts responsibility for their actions and assumes the responsibility to successfully complete the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program. Agreements are not intended to infringe on parents; however, the more support you can give your child, the greater the likelihood that they will be successful.
Sanctions will be logical and meaningful to your child. These are examples of Sanctions:
Sanctions chosen are not to be more severe than a youth court judge would hand down; adequately hold the young person accountable for their behaviour; uphold the rights and freedoms of both young person and victims; be the least intrusive form of sanctions while protecting the community; and involve the community where possible.
It is your child’s responsibility to complete the terms of the Agreement. Encourage your child to contact one of the volunteers to discuss the difficulties they are having in completing the sanctions. The Youth Justice Committee members will make every effort to support your child in completing them.
The green sheet, which is a copy of the agreement your child signed, will have a name and phone number on it. If you cannot find it, go to the CYJC.ca website and look for the Youth Justice Committee in your neighborhood. All Youth Justice Committee emails are listed, you will be able to send an email to the Youth Justice Committee that you met with.
Alternatively, you can contact the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator at the Calgary Youth Attendance Centre at (403) 297-7740 if you are unable to find contact information for your Youth Justice Committee. All Young Persons’ files are referred from the Crown Prosecutor’s Office to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator and they will know which Youth Justice Committee your child was referred to.
The Youth Justice Committee members will follow up with your child to ensure that they have completed the assigned Sanctions and return your child’s file to the Crown attorney at Youth Court.
If a Judge has referred your child to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, this is referred to as a “post-charge” referral. In this case, your child still must attend their next court date, even though they successfully completed the Extrajudicial Sanctions Agreement. Since your child has successfully completed the Agreement, the criminal charge will not proceed, or if already laid, will be withdrawn in court and the youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two year period (if your child commits no further crimes) and there will be no formal youth criminal record.
Them your child is considered unsuccessful in the Extrajudicial Sanction program. The file for your child is returned to the Crown Attorney who will most likely continue with legal proceedings. If the matter is dealt with in youth court, and the youth either pleads guilty or is found guilty, a criminal record will be acquired. This record stays with the youth for a minimum of 1 year for an absolute discharge and up to 3-5 years or more, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the length of the sentence from the court.
A youth record will not stop them from travelling within Canada, but it can stop them from travelling to other countries. Some countries – including the United States – will not let them in, even for a visit, if they have a record.
A record is anything that contains information created or kept for the purposes of the Youth Criminal Justice Act or for investigating an offence that could be prosecuted under the Act. Almost any contact with the justice system creates a record. This includes arrests, charges and sentences. A record may contain information provided by family members, neighbours, school authorities and victims. Records for most criminal offences are sent to the RCMP who share the adult records with police and border officials of other countries. One of the biggest differences between the youth justice system and the adult justice system is that young people’s privacy is protected, and their personal information kept confidential. Access to your child’s youth record is restricted except in very limited circumstances. However, if another country does obtain the information, they may decide to keep it in their files well after the access period. Only in Canada does a youth record have to be closed after a certain time. Any record, no matter how minor the offence, can keep a person from getting into other countries. For example, in the United States, it is often up to the individual border guard where you are crossing to decide whether you get in. If a person has a youth record and it has been shared with the United States, it is impossible to know when they might be refused entry. The United States is one of the countries where a person may need a travel waiver to enter if they have a record. It is best to verify with the immigration office of the country before visiting. Youth records in Canada are sealed or destroyed after a specific period of time has passed, as long as the youth has not re-offended. As well, during the period that the record is open, only certain people are allowed access to it.
You are referred to a Youth Justice Committee. A committee member will call you to set up a date to meet with them. They will explain the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program to you.
A Youth Justice Committee is made up of citizens who live or work in your community. They volunteer to work with young people in conflict with the law, as well as their families, victims, the legal system, and the community. Their job is to find appropriate, meaningful Sanctions for the crime that you committed. In Calgary, there are 15 Youth Justice Committees that serve over 270 communities. They are interested in supporting you and trained to assist the government in administering the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program.
Formerly known as the Alternative Measures Program (AMP), the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is an alternative to the court system for young people aged 12 up to 18 who have committed a less-serious type of offence. The young person is diverted from the court system and instead, appears before a Youth Justice Committee in their community who is authorized to deal with the young person and their crime. Section 18 of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act provides an opportunity for citizens to become directly involved in the administration of youth justice by forming Youth Justice Committees (YJCs).
For further information, see Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, Government of Alberta.
The police consider the least intrusive response to youth crime, while holding young people accountable for their actions. The Crown attorney also responds to youth crime in the least intrusive manner. When a warning, caution, or referral is thought to be inadequate to deal with a young person (because of the seriousness of the crime, the nature and number of previous offences, or any other aggravating factors), the police or Crown attorney can utilize the Extrajudicial Sanctions program. Getting referred to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is a privilege extended to you and provides you with an opportunity to deal with your offence outside of the court system. A youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two year period (if you commit no further crimes).
It gives you the chance to speak for yourself. It provides the opportunity for you to avoid a criminal record (your youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two year period, if you commit no further crimes). It encourages family support and provides an opportunity for parents to seek support and access resources in parenting.
A Youth Justice Committee member will contact you and your parents and set up a time and date for a “Panel Meeting”. There will usually be three volunteers at the meeting. At this meeting, which usually takes about one hour, Youth Justice Committee members will ask you to tell them what happened. They will ask questions about your home, school, and social life to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will ask about special interests, activities, and goals you might have. You should ask your parents/guardians or a responsible adult to go with you to the meeting. Youth Justice Committee members will determine Sanctions, then you will be required to sign an Agreement stating that you will complete the Sanctions within the given time frame.
Youth Justice Committee members at the meeting may ask your parents how they have been affected by the offence. They also may ask for your parents’ interpretation of your behaviour, any consequences you were assigned at home, and what conditions they consider appropriate for you. They may ask about any concerns that your parents have about you.
Sanctions will be logical and meaningful to you. These are examples of Sanctions:
Sanctions chosen are not to be more severe than a youth court judge would hand down; adequately hold the young person accountable for their behaviour; uphold the rights and freedoms of both young person and victims; be the least intrusive form of sanctions while protecting the community; and involve the community where possible.
Contact one of the volunteers to discuss any difficulties you are having in completing the Sanctions. It is your responsibility to complete the terms of the Agreement. The Agreement made between the Youth Justice Committee and you is meant to ensure that you accept responsibility for your actions, and assume responsibility to successfully complete the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program. The Youth Justice Committee members will make every effort to support you in completing them.
The green sheet, which is a copy of the agreement your child signed, will have a name and phone number on it. If you cannot find it, go to the CYJC.ca website and look for the Youth Justice Committee in your neighborhood. All Youth Justice Committee emails are listed, you will be able to send an email to the Youth Justice Committee that you met with.
Alternatively, you can contact the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator at the Calgary Youth Attendance Centre at (403) 297-7740 if you are unable to find contact information for your Youth Justice Committee. All Young Persons’ files are referred from the Crown Prosecutor’s Office to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator and they will know which Youth Justice Committee your child was referred to.
The Youth Justice Committee members will follow up with you to ensure that you have completed the assigned Sanctions and return your file to the Crown attorney at Youth Court.
If a Judge has referred you to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, this is referred to as a “post-charge” referral. In this case, you still must attend your next court date, even though you successfully completed the Extrajudicial Sanctions Agreement.
Since you have successfully completed the Agreement, the criminal charge will not proceed, or if already laid, will be withdrawn in court and the youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two year period (if you commit no further crimes) and there will be no formal youth criminal record.
Then you are considered unsuccessful in the Extrajudicial Sanction program. Your file is returned to the Crown Attorney who will most likely continue with legal proceedings. If the matter is dealt with in youth court, and you either plead guilty or are found guilty, you will get a criminal record. This record stays with you for a minimum of 1 year for an absolute discharge and up to 3-5 years or more, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the length of the sentence from the court
A youth record will not stop you from travelling within Canada, but it can stop you from travelling to other countries. Some countries – including the United States – will not let you in, even for a visit, if you have a record. A record is anything that contains information created or kept for the purposes of the Youth Criminal Justice Act or for investigating an offence that could be prosecuted under the Act. Almost any contact with the justice system creates a record. This includes arrests, charges, and sentences. A record may contain information provided by family members, neighbours, school authorities and victims.
Records for most criminal offences are sent to the RCMP who share the adult records with police and border officials of other countries. One of the biggest differences between the youth justice system and the adult justice system is that young people’s privacy is protected, and their personal information kept confidential. Access to your youth record is restricted except in very limited circumstances. However, if another country does obtain the information, they may decide to keep it in their files well after the access period. Only in Canada does a youth record have to be closed after a certain time. Any record, no matter how minor the offence, can keep a person from getting into other countries. For example, in the United States, it is often up to the individual border guard where you are crossing to decide whether you get in. If a person has a youth record and it has been shared with the United States, it is impossible to know when they might be refused entry. The United States is one of the countries where a person may need a travel waiver to enter if they have a record. It is best to verify with the immigration office of the country before visiting. Youth records in Canada are sealed or destroyed after a specific period of time has passed, as long as the youth has not re-offended. As well, during the period that the record is open, only certain people are allowed access to it.
A Youth Justice Committee is made up of citizens who live or work in the community where the young person lives. They volunteer to work with young people in conflict with the law, as well as their families, victims, the legal system and the community, to find appropriate, meaningful consequences for the young person. In Calgary, there are 15 Youth Justice Committees that serve over 270 communities. They are interested in supporting young people and trained to assist the government in administering the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program.
Formerly known as the Alternative Measures Program (AMP), the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is an alternative to the court system for young people aged 12 up to 18 who have committed a less-serious type of offence. The young person is diverted from the court system and instead, appears before a Youth Justice Committee in their community who is authorized to deal with the young person and their crime. Section 18 of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act provides an opportunity for citizens to become directly involved in the administration of youth justice by forming Youth Justice Committees (YJCs).
For further information, see Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, Government of Alberta.
The Police or Crown Attorney can utilize the Extrajudicial Sanctions program when a warning, caution, or referral is thought to be inadequate to deal with a young person because of the seriousness of the crime, the nature and number of previous offences, or any other aggravating factors. While holding young people accountable for their actions, the Police and Crown Attorney respond to youth crime in the least intrusive manner as directed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Young people are eligible for Extrajudicial Sanctions when they have committed an eligible offence, accept responsibility for their actions, and agree to participate in the program. It is not the Youth Justice Committee’s responsibility to establish guilt in the case, but rather to deal with pending charges at a community level.
Getting referred to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is a privilege extended to this young person and provides them with an opportunity to deal with their offence outside of the court system. A youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two-year period (if the young person commits no further crimes).
You have the right to access youth court records and may be given access to other records (e.g. government or police records). You also have the right to know if the young person has been given Extrajudicial Sanctions, which are arranged outside of Court.
You have an opportunity to express how the crime has affected you through a written or verbal Victim’s Impact Statement. Additionally, restitution, if applicable, may be used by the Youth Justice Committee to help repair the harm that was caused to you.
The program operates under the philosophy of restorative justice (a response to crime which emphasizes healing the wounds of victims, offenders, and communities). Through listening to the youth, parents and you, the Youth Justice Committee members will decide upon Sanctions for the youth. Restitution is also an option for you.
When a file is received by a Youth Justice Committee, a committee volunteer will phone you, the young person, and their parents to gather information that might be helpful to know before the panel meeting. They will ask you for your perspective and explain that they will be taking that information to the meeting, and that it will be used when determining Sanctions. They will also want to know about:
In the case of restitution being paid to you, the Police will usually have requested that you complete a Request for Restitution form at the time of the offence. This form will be attached to the file sent to the Youth Justice Committee. Even if the Request for Restitution form has not been attached to the file by the Police, the Youth Justice Committee will still contact you to determine a possibility for restitution.
There will usually be three volunteers at the Panel Meeting. At this meeting, which usually takes about one hour, Youth Justice Committee members will question the young person about the incident. They may also ask other questions about their home, school, and social life to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will ask about special interests, activities and goals the young person might have. The parents are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing with their child. Youth Justice Committee members may ask for their input regarding the young person’s behavior, any consequences they have assigned at home, and what conditions they consider appropriate for the young person. Youth Justice Committee members may also ask about any concerns that they have about their child. Youth Justice Committee members will determine Sanctions, then the young person will be required to sign an agreement stating that they will complete the consequences within the given time frame. It is not common for a victim to attend a Youth Justice Committee Panel Meeting. In Calgary, there are specific program that help facilitate this process with trained members to support the process of victim-offender mediation.
“Within the limits of fair and proportionate accountability, the measures taken against young persons who commit offences should:
Sanctions chosen are not to be more severe than a youth court judge would hand down; adequately hold the young person accountable for their behaviour; uphold the rights and freedoms of both young person and victims; be the least intrusive form of sanctions while protecting the community; and involve the community were possible.
The Extrajudicial Sanctions Agreement that is reached by the Youth Justice Committee members, after interviewing the youth, the parents/ guardians, and the victim, will be logical and meaningful. This is the objective of the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program. ‘Logical’ means that the condition fits with the crime, and ‘meaningful’ implies that the condition holds value for the youth and their further development.
These are examples of consequences:
The Youth Justice Committee members will keep in mind that the young person may not be able to fully compensate the victim.
In the case of restitution being made by the youth as part of the Agreement, the Youth Justice Committee will maintain your confidentiality. They will take a money order made out to “The __________ Youth Justice Committee” from the young person, and then write a cheque to you. They will not accept cash or cheques from the young person. The cheque will then be mailed to you via certified mail.
The agreement made between the Youth Justice Committee and the young person is meant to ensure that the young person accepts responsibility for their actions and assumes the responsibility to successfully complete the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program. The Youth Justice Committee members will follow up with the young person to ensure that they have completed the assigned Sanctions and return the young person’s file to the Crown attorney at Youth Court. If a Judge has referred the young person to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Program, this is referred to as a “post-charge” referral. In this case, the young person still must attend their next court date, even though they successfully completed the Extrajudicial Sanctions Agreement. If the young person has successfully completed the Agreement, the criminal charge will not proceed, or if already laid, will be withdrawn in court and the youth criminal record will be automatically expunged after a two year period (if the young person commits no further crimes) and there will be no formal youth criminal record. If the young person does not successfully complete the Agreement, they are considered to be unsuccessful in the Extrajudicial Sanction program. The file is returned to the Crown attorney who will most likely continue with legal proceedings. If the matter is dealt with in youth court, and the youth either pleads guilty or is found guilty, a criminal record will be acquired. This record stays with the youth for a minimum of 1 year for an absolute discharge and up to 3-5 years or more, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the length of the sentence from the court.
A Youth Justice Committee member should contact you to keep you informed. If you lose the contact information, go to the CYJC.ca website and look for the Youth Justice Committee that you were speaking with. All Youth Justice Committee emails are listed, you will be able to send an email to the Youth Justice Committee that you met with.
Alternatively, you can contact the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator at the Calgary Youth Attendance Centre at (403) 297-7740 if you are unable to find contact information for your Youth Justice Committee. All Young Persons’ files are referred from the Crown Prosecutor’s Office to the Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator and they will know which Youth Justice Committee your child was referred to.
With respect, gratitude, and accountability, Calgary Youth Justice Society acknowledges the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations, the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 & 6, and we honour all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
We see and celebrate the many strengths of Indigenous people and commit to reflect upon and change our ways of knowing, being, and doing so that we can truly work towards reconciliation in a meaningful way.
