Everyone plays a part in the diversion process: the arresting officer, the crown prosecutor’s office, referral programs such as a Youth Justice Committee or Sanctions program with Calgary Youth Justice Committees, as well as the community. After assessing factors related to the young person and the seriousness of the offence, a determination can be made as to the correct route to take along the criminal justice path for a youth involved in an offence. After completing a full investigation and when there is sufficient evidence obtained to support the charging of youth, an officer can follow four pathways: 1) Warnings, Cautions or Referrals to a Community Program; 2) A recommendation for Extrajudicial Sanctions which are referrals made either pre-charge or post-charge to a Youth Justice Committee; 3) Criminal Prosecution; or, 4) No charges.
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.
