In the Community
If you are required to serve part of or your entire sentence in the community, you may be supervised and required to obey certain court conditions and orders.
A youth probation officer will supervise and support you while you are serving your sentence in the community. They can assist you with finding suitable programs and services to help and support you so you can make positive changes and improve your behaviours. Youth probation officers promote and encourage positive change in young offenders so they can live as law-abiding members of their communities.
Probation Order
The judge may make a probation order as all or part of your sentence. A probation order requires you to follow certain rules (conditions) set by the court or your probation officer while serving your sentence in the community. Conditions could include:
- keeping the peace and being of good behaviour;
- reporting as directed by your youth probation officer;
- not using alcohol or drugs;
- having no contact with the victim; and
- attending school and/or counselling as directed by your youth probation officer.
Community Supervision
When you serve your sentence in the community, you will be supervised by a youth probation officer. The probation officer will:
- supervise the court order to make sure you obey the conditions and return you to court if you do not; and
- work with you to find programs and services that will help you make positive changes and improve your behaviours.
Programs and Services
Your youth probation officer can help you find programs and services for young offenders serving their sentence in the community that are suitable for you.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development website describes some of these programs and services, including:
- day programs;
- intensive support and supervision programs;
- specialized residential programs;
- community service work;
- drug and alcohol programs;
- full and part-time wilderness challenge programs; and
- Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services
Consequence of Not Obeying Supervision Conditions
There may be serious consequences if you do not follow the conditions in your probation order. This might include being charged with a new crime, being put into custody and/or another or longer period of community supervision and/or a fine. Your youth probation officer will explain to you what penalties you might face if you fail to obey your community supervision order.
