Youth Justice

Springboard offers a number of effective programs for youth (aged 12 to 17) who are involved in the justice system.

In keeping with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), our diverse programming provide for a variety of justice alternatives in which youth are held accountable through interventions that are fair and in proportion to the seriousness of the alleged offence.

Some programs provide support for youth at the bail or pre-resolution stage (Youth Court Action Planning) or court imposed sanctions through Enhanced Extrajudicial Sanctions (Youth Connect). Others provide programming and support to youth who have been sentenced either in the community or to one of Springboard’s residences.

We offer an Attendance program that provides a series of skill development workshops and counselling to provide education and training to youth who are mandated to attend by the court.

Our Youth Justice Committees are based on the principles of Restorative Justice and bring together youth, the community and the victim (when appropriate) to help the youth make amends for any harm caused. These youth are referred by the Crown Attorney at court.

The Community Service Order program helps youth fulfill their probation order condition to provide volunteer work in their local community.

Springboard operates three open-custody residences for youth who are in detention (awaiting trial) or who have been sentenced to custody. These residences provide a structured community residential environment with programming, counselling and educational resources.