History
The Youth Justice Committee initiative started in Calgary in 1993. A Resource Team was established which comprised individuals from a wide variety of organizations including Calgary Police Service, City of Calgary Youth Probation, Alberta Justice, Parent Support Association, John Howard Society, and Elizabeth Fry Society. This Resource Team was responsible for establishing the structure and groundwork for the implementation of Youth Justice Committees in Calgary.
In 1996, funding was secured from The Calgary Foundation and Alberta Law Foundation for an 18-month half-time contract position. The purpose of this position was to determine if Youth Justice Committees were viable in a large urban center, and, together with the Resource Team, develop a strategy for the establishment of these Committees in Calgary communities. The project ended successfully with the establishment of 9 Youth Justice Committees representing 36 communities.
The Society currently employs one Executive Director as well as staff members in Program Development and Volunteer Resources & Community Development.