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Information for Youth, Parents and Victims

WHAT IS EXTRA JUDICIAL SANCTIONS?
For a young person to qualify for the Extra Judicial Sanctions Program (EJSP), they must have committed an eligible offence, accept responsibility for their actions, and agree to participate in the program. Once these requirements are met, they will be referred to EJSP. The young person may be referred without ever going to court, or, if the eligibility requirements are not met at first, the young person will go to court and may be referred to EJSP at that time.

WHY A YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEE?
If there is a Youth Justice Committee (YJC) in the community in which a young person resides, the case will be transferred to that YJC. Trained volunteers are responsible for handling the case from start to finish. Each YJC operates under a ministerial order from Alberta Justice, and adheres to approved guidelines and procedures.

WHAT DOES A YJC DO?
When a YJC receives a file from the EJSP, they will review the information, phone all of the parties and arrange an interview with the young person, their parents, and usually 3 panel members from the YJC. The victim is contacted to determine how the offence has impacted them, and any damages or expenses incurred because of the offence, but they may not always be present at the interview. The YJC will ask questions of the youth and their parents with regard to the offence, school, home, etc. and then determine, with input from everyone, the consequences for the youth. The YJC then provides follow-up to determine if the Extra Judicial Sanctions Agreement has been satisfactorily completed.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
SUCCESSFUL: If the young person completes the conditions of the Extra Judicial Sanctions Agreement, the case file is returned as successful, criminal charges do not proceed or, if already filed, the charges are withdrawn.
UNSUCCESSFUL: If the conditions of the Agreement are not completed, the YJC will return the file as unsuccessful and the young person will be required to appear in court. If the matter is dealt with in youth court, and the youth either pleads guilty or is found guilty, a criminal record will be acquired. This record stays with the youth for a minimum of 1 year for an absolute discharge and up to 3-5 years or more, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the length of the sentence from the court.

WHAT PARENTS SAY

• "The best thing that could happen for the child and the parent."
• "It's good that parents can play an active role."
• "Gives the community a chance to understand youth better."
• "I was very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the youth justice committee due to the fairness and speed of dealing with the crime."
• "I appreciated the compassion of this approach."
• "It prepares young people for life."
• "I love this new kid that I have."

WHAT YOUTH SAY

• "Thanks for everything. I appreciate what the youth justice committee has done for me. Believe me, I learned!! Keep up the good work."
• "It cares about kids."
• "It made me think about what I did."
• "Very understanding, fair."
• "It is a great program! I will never commit another crime again."
• "I think, if there is not already, every community should have a youth justice committee."

WHAT VICTIMS SAY

• "Shows victims the community supports them."
• "Victims are kept informed."
• "An asset to our community."
• "Makes the offender more accountable."
• "Allows everyone a chance to express their views."

(Quotes taken from an Alberta Justice Survey - September 1999)