Youth Criminal Justice Act – The Basics (LEG00212)

Overview

Delivery method

Virtual classroom

Duration

1.5 hours

Audience

Employees

Description

Please note that this course is open to all employees of the Department of Justice, including: legal professionals, policy analysts, communications advisors, program analysts, etc.

The content in French for this course is currently being developed. A French session should be available to participants soon, in the fall of 2025.

This course provides a “101” on the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), giving participants a foundational knowledge of the federal legislation governing young persons aged 12 to 17 who come in contact with the criminal justice system. The course will highlight key components of the YCJA, including: the YCJA’s purpose, principles and objectives; diversion measures; the interaction between the YCJA and other federal statutes, notably the Criminal Code; and, the enhanced privacy and confidentiality protections for young persons under the YCJA. The course will also cover emerging issues and trends that relate to young persons and their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Topics covered

• Overview of youth criminal legislation in Canada, including the purpose and principles of the YCJA
• Diversion measures (EJMs, conferences and committees under sections 18 and19)
• Interactions between the YCJA and other federal statutes (such as the Criminal Code, Cannabis Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, etc.)
• Privacy and confidentiality protections (publication bans, youth records, etc.)
• Trends and emerging issues (statistics, overrepresentation, emerging adults, litigation, etc.)

Registration deadline: 5 working days prior to the course date.

Participants are responsible for adding their training activities to their Outlook calendars.

Accommodation measures: The Department of Justice is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free learning environment. If you have any accessibility needs in order to fully participate in the training activity, please contact your manager to discuss your needs. You may also call upon the services of the Centre for Workplace Access-Ability, Health and Wellness to help identify what type of accommodation measures you require.

For more information: Contact the Centre for Legal Education Services.

For information about the continuing professional development (CPD) hours for this course, please consult the 2025 Accreditation Summary.

If you have questions concerning the accreditation process, please contact our accreditation team by email (Accreditations@justice.gc.ca).