Welcome to the Youth Justice Section of JusticeBC
In Canada, a youth who commits a crime or is accused of committing a crime may go through the youth justice system. Anyone who is between 12 and 17 years is considered a youth. If you have come into contact with the youth justice system as an accused person, a parent, a victim or a witness, this website will help you learn more about youth justice and find guidance and support.
Understanding how the justice systems works will help you make decisions about how to deal with your situation. This section will help answer your questions and describe the process you may experience. This information is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice.
It is a serious matter to be accused or found guilty of committing a crime. If you are in this situation, speak to a lawyer. For more information, please see: Right to a Lawyer.
Explore this Section
- Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), including Youth and Adult Criminal Justice Systems (differences), Holding Youth Responsible (purpose and considerations) and the Role of Parents
- Youth Rights, including, Accused Youth, Right to a Lawyer and Victim of Youth Crime
- Youth Justice in B.C.
- Reporting a Crime
- How to Report a Crime
- Investigating the Crime
- Investigation Outcomes, including Arrest, Judicial Interim Release (bail), Extrajudicial Measures and Extrajudicial Sanctions
- Charged with a Crime
- Going to Court, including Youth Justice Court and Court Support
- Court Decision
- Youth Sentences, including Pre-Sentence Reports, Types of Sentences, Additional Conditions, Maximum Sentences, Alternatives to Custody, and Appeals
- Serving a Youth Sentence, including In the Community and Youth Custody
- Youth Records, including Types of Records, Protecting Youth Identity and Turning 18
- Services and Resources available to youth
More Information
For information for young people (under 19) who have been a witness or victim of crime, please visit:
