Disability and the Youth Criminal Justice Act: The Perspectives of Youth

• In Event: Considerations of Illness and Disabilities in Juvenile Court

Abstract

Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) states that all measures taken against youth should “respond to the needs of young persons with special requirements” (Declaration of Principle, Section 3(c)(iv)). However, little is known about how youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience the justice system. Through qualitative interviews with young people in Ontario, Canada, our research explores the extent to which the YCJA effectively provides developmentally appropriate protections to youth with IDD. Our presentation will highlight several themes that have emerged through our interviews including: the importance of disability being acknowledged by justice professionals and the need for more effective supports during various stages of the justice system for youth with IDD. Drawing on the perspectives of youth, we will also share recommendations for how the youth justice system might be reimagined for youth with IDD and all young people.

Authors

• Christine Goodwin DeFaria, Trent University Durham

• Daniella Bendo, King's University College at Western University

• Voula Marinos, Brock University

• Nathan Innocente, University of Toronto Mississauga

• Dale Spencer, Carleton University