Youth Sentences
According to the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), youth under 18 when the crime was committed may be handled differently than an adult. The YCJA:
- defines the purpose of youth sentences and possible outcomes for a youth offender;
- provides the principles and factors that must be considered when a youth is given a sentence;
- sets out conditions that must be applied before a youth is sentenced to custody; and
- requires community supervision be part of all custodial sentences.
These sections apply only when a youth sentence is given. If an adult sentence is given, the YCJA no longer applies.
For more information, please visit Youth Sentences.
