Youth Criminal Justice in Canada: A compendium of statistics

Youth Criminal Justice in Canada: A compendium of statistics Research and Statistics Division and Policy Implementation Directorate Department of Justice Canada 216

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Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Youth population... 2 Police-reported youth crime... 4 Youth crime rate... 4 Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI)... 7 Police charging... 9 Youth courts... 1 Caseload... 1 Decisions... 1 Sentences... 12 Case processing time... 14 Youth corrections... 18 Community corrections... 18 Custody... 19 Most serious offence... 25 Aboriginal youth in corrections... 26 Conclusion... 3 3

Youth criminal justice in Canada: A compendium of statistics Introduction This compendium presents an overview of statistical information on Canada s youth criminal justice system, including information on youth contact with the police, youth courts, and the youth correctional system from 1999 (a few years before implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, YCJA, 23) to the most recent year with available data. 1 Youth includes persons aged 12 to 17 years, consistent with the YCJA. Many factors can influence statistics on police-reported youth crime, youth courts, and youth corrections, including police enforcement (related to factors such as resources, priorities, policies, and procedures), police and Crown charging practices, the structure and operation of courts and corrections, along with social and economic factors and public reporting to police. 2 Most incidents of victimization do not come to the attention of the police. Just under one-third (31%) of criminal incidents were reported to the police in 214. 3 This compendium follows the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics (CCJS) (Statistics Canada) reporting of the police-reported youth crime rate (which includes Criminal Code offences, excluding traffic and federal statute violations such as drug offences and offences related to the YCJA), as well as the police-reported Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI) and youth court statistics (both of which include Criminal Code offences, including traffic offences, as well as federal statute violations). 1 Most information was publicly available in Statistics Canada s CANSIM database. The most recent information for police-reported youth crime was 214. The most recent information for youth courts and youth corrections was 213/214. 2 For more information on factors influencing police-reported crime, see Boyce, Jillian. 215. Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X. 3 Perrault, Samuel. 215. Criminal victimization in Canada, 214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X. The victimization survey of Canadians aged 15 and older included the offences of sexual assault, robbery, physical assault, break and enter, motor vehicle/parts theft, household property theft, vandalism, and theft of personal property. Excludes incidents of spousal violence.

Youth population In 214, there were approximately 2.3 million youth in Canada aged 12 to 17. Aboriginal youth represented approximately 7% of youth in Canada in 214. The territories, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan had the highest proportion of Aboriginal youth (Chart 1). Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut Chart 1. Percent of Aboriginal youth (12-17), Canada, 214 7 6 5 4 3 4 1 8 25 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Percent (%) of Aboriginal youth in the Note: Aboriginal includes North American Indian, Métis, and Inuit, whether registered or not. Information was not available for Prince Edward Island. The proportion of Aboriginal youth in Nunavut was calculated at over 1% due to Statistics Canada s provision of population estimates in the thousands. The proportion of Aboriginal youth in Nunavut is likely less than 1%, so this proportion was set at 99%. Source: Statistics Canada, Custom tabulation based on Population Projections by Aboriginal Identity in Canada, 26-231. Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Visible minority youth represented approximately 26% of youth in Canada in 214. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta had the highest proportion of visible minority youth (Chart 2). 41 63 99 Chart 2. Percent of visible minority youth (12-17), Canada, 214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia 3 4 5 8 14 16 22 26 36 36 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 4 Percent (%) of visible minority youth in the Note: Visible minority youth includes youth, other than Aboriginal youth, who are non-caucasian in race or non-white in colour, as defined by the Employment Equity Act. Information was not available for Prince Edward Island and the territories. Source: Statistics Canada, Custom tabulation based on Population Projections by Aboriginal Identity in Canada, 26-231. Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

According to population projections, Canada s youth population will increase overall and in most jurisdictions over the next decade or so (Chart 3). 4 Estimates suggest that by 231, visible minority youth will make up 38% of youth in Canada and the Aboriginal youth population will remain relatively stable. Percent change (%) in projected youth 5 4 3 2 1-1 -2 Chart 3. Percent of projected change in Canada's youth population, 215-231 Canada +17 NL -13 PEI +12 NS -5 NB -5 QC +22 Source: Statistics Table 52-5 - Projected population, by projection scenario, age and sex, as of July 1, Canada, provinces and territories, annual (persons). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice ON +8 MB +2 SK +28 AB +46 BC +17 YT +25 NT +2 NU +3 4 Population projections were based on the medium-growth and 1991/1992 to 21/211 interprovincial migrations trends scenario defined by certain assumptions about fertility, life expectancy, interprovincial migration, immigration, number of non-permanent residents, and emigration.

Police-reported youth crime Police-reported youth crime can be measured by the youth crime rate and the Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI). 5 The youth crime rate measures the volume of police-reported Criminal Code offences, excluding traffic and federal statute violations such as drug offences and offences related to the YCJA. 6 The YCSI measures both the volume and seriousness of police-reported Criminal Code offences, including traffic and federal statute violations. 7 Each offence in the YCSI is assigned a weight based on its average court sentence, with more serious offences having a greater impact on the index. Youth crime rate According to police records, about 94,1 youth (aged 12-17) were accused of a criminal offence in 214, a rate of 4,16 per 1, youth in Canada (excluding traffic and federal statute offences). The majority (68%) of youth crime involved non-violent offences. 8 Youth crime rates were lowest in British Columbia (3,7 per 1, youth) and Quebec (3,31), and highest in the territories (e.g., 28,175 in Northwest Territories), Saskatchewan (11,816), and Manitoba (7,424) (Chart 4). 5 Information comes from the Incident-based Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR2), publicly available in Statistics Canada s CANSIM database, and differs slightly from that published in Statistics Canada s report Youth crime in Canada, 214, which draws from a different survey (the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey) and different method for counting accused. Information reflects nearly 1% of police services. For more information on the methodology behind police-reported crime statistics, see Boyce, Jillian. 215. Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X. Trends in youth crime are not directly comparable to trends in overall crime. The youth crime rate and Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI) are based on the number of youth accused rather than the number of criminal incidents. For more information, see Boyce, Jillian. 215. Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X. 6 The youth crime rate is calculated by summing the number of youth accused of Criminal Code offences (excluding traffic and federal statute violations such as drug offences), then dividing by the population, and expressed as a rate based on 1, youth in the population. 7 The YCSI is calculated by summing the weighted offences and dividing by the population. To enable comparison, the YCSI is standardized to a base year of 1. For more information on the YCSI, see Wallace, Marnie et al. 29. Measuring crime in Canada: Introducing the Crime Severity Index and improvements to the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-4-X.; Babyak, Colin et al. 29. The methodology of the police-reported Crime Severity Index. SSC Annual Meeting, June 29 Proceedings of the Survey Methods Section. 8 Non-violent offences do not involve the use or threat of violence against the person.

Chart 4. Youth crime rate, Canada, 214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 4,16 4,543 3,349 5,75 4,546 3,31 3,21 7,424 4,875 3,7 11,816 21,536 22,731 28,175 5, 1, 15, 2, 25, 3, Rate per 1, youth Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Between 1999 and 214, Canada s youth crime rate decreased overall (-38%) and among all offence categories: property crime (-49%), violent crime (-26%), and other Criminal Code offences (-12%) (Chart 5). 9 Rates declined in all provinces, while those in the territories have fluctuated over time, due partly to their small populations (Charts 6-9). Chart 5. Youth crime rates (total, violent, property, 'other' Criminal Code offences), Canada, 1999-214 Rate per 1, youth 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, YCJA 6,437 4,16 3,765 1,713 1,94 1,273 958 839 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Total crime Property crime Violent crime 'Other' Criminal Code offences Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice 9 Property crimes involve unlawful acts to gain property, such as break and enter and theft. Violent crimes involve the use or threatened use of violence against a person, such as homicide, assault, sexual assault, and robbery. Other Criminal Code offences include offences not classified as violent or property, such as mischief and bail violations.

Chart 6. Youth crime rate, Atlantic provinces, 1999-214 12, Rate per 1, youth 1, 8, 7,98 6,636 6, 6,421 4, 3,558 2, 5,75 4,546 4,543 3,349 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Chart 7. Youth crime rate, Ontario and Quebec, 1999-214 Rate per 1, youth 7, 6, 5,673 5, 4,284 4, 3, 2, 1, 3,21 3,31 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Quebec Ontario Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Rate per 1, youth Chart 8. Youth crime rate, Western provinces, 1999-214 25, 2, 15, 12,492 11,816 1, 8,529 8,29 7,424 5, 8,41 4,875 3,7 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Rate per 1, youth Chart 9. Youth crime rate, Territories, 1999-214 5, 4, 3, 28,175 17,672 22,731 2, 15,346 21,536 1, 13,122 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI) In 214, Canada s YCSI was 6.3. Like the youth crime rates, the YCSI was lowest in British Columbia (38.6) and highest in the territories (e.g., 333.8 in Northwest Territories) and Saskatchewan (165.8) (Chart 1).

Chart 1. Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI) and violent YCSI, Canada, 214 Canada 64.3 6.3 Newfoundland and Labrador 49.2 55.2 Prince Edward Island 67.1 51.7 Nova Scotia 86.6 83.5 New Brunswick 45. 57.1 Quebec 63.9 53.3 Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan 6.6 51.1 124.4 115.6 121.7 165.8 Violent YCSI YCSI Alberta 62.7 64.5 British Columbia 37.6 38.6 Yukon 172.9 193.4 Northwest Territories 268.1 338.8 Nunavut 26.9 34.3. 1. 2. 3. 4. Index Source: Statistics Table 252-52 - Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, annual (index unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Between 1999 and 214, both the violent (-23%) and non-violent YCSI (-49%) decreased (-39% overall) (Chart 11). Index 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 111.4 99.34 83.51 Chart 11. Youth Crime Severity Index (YCSI), total, violent, and non-violent, Canada, 1999-214 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Youth total CSI Youth violent CSI Youth non-violent CSI 64.28 6.26 57.15 Source: Statistics Table 252-52 - Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, annual (index unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Police charging In 214, 45% of youth accused of a criminal offence were charged (excluding traffic and federal statute offences), and 55% were dealt with by some other means, such as a warning, caution, or referral to a community program. Since the implementation of the YCJA (23), the rate of youth who are not charged continues to be higher than the rate of youth who are charged, although this difference has narrowed since 29 (Chart 12). Chart 12. Rate of youth charged and not charged by police, Criminal Code offences (excluding traffic/federal statute), Canada, 1999-214 Rate per 1, youth 4,5 4, 3,5 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, 5 4,25 2,414 2,216 1,8 1999 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 212 213 214 Youth charged Youth not charged Source: Statistics Table 252-51 - Incident-based crime statistics, by detailed violations, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Youth courts Caseload There were just under 4, youth court cases of Criminal Code and federal statute offences in 213/214 (including offences related to traffic, drugs, and the YCJA). 1 The number of youth court cases has declined over time, most notably with the implementation of the YCJA (23) (Chart 13). The 213/214 youth court caseload was the lowest number in 2 years (since data were first collected in 1991/1992). The number of cases declined among all offence categories (i.e., violent, property, other Criminal Code offences, traffic, drug-related offences, YCJA offences). Number of cases 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Chart 13. Number of youth court cases, Canada, 1999/2-213/214 Source: Statistics Table 252-64 - Youth courts, number of cases and charges by type of decision, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Decisions More than half (56%) of youth court cases in 213/214 resulted in a finding of guilt, and a further 41% were stayed or withdrawn (about 2% resulted in an acquittal). Findings of guilt have declined over time, while stays/withdrawals have increased (Chart 14). 1 A case represents one or more charges against an accused person or company that were processed by the courts at the same time and received a final disposition. Cases include violent, property, and other Criminal Code offences, as well as Criminal Code traffic offences, drug-related offences, and Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) offences. Information on youth courts comes from the Integrated Criminal Court Survey. For more information on the methodology behind youth court statistics, see Alam, Sarah. 215. Youth court statistics in Canada, 213/214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X.

Percent (%) of cases 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 29 69 Chart 14. Percent of youth court case outcomes, guilty and stayed/withdrawn, Canada, 1999/2-213/214 56 41 Guilty Stayed/withdrawn Source: Statistics Table 252-64 - Youth courts, number of cases and charges by type of decision, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice In 213/214, the proportion of guilty findings ranged from 45% in Ontario to 77% in New Brunswick (Chart 15). Chart 15. Percent of guilty verdicts in youth courts, Canada, 213/214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 45 56 63 66 66 53 55 53 58 61 71 71 71 77 2 4 6 8 1 Percent (%) of cases Source: Statistics Table 252-64 - Youth courts, number of cases and charges by type of decision, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Sentences Probation, the most common type of youth court sentence, was imposed in 58% of youth court cases in Canada in 213/214. 11 Custody sentences were imposed in 15% of cases, down from 28% in 1999/2 (Chart 16). The decrease in custody has been offset somewhat by sentences to deferred custody and supervision, imposed in about 4% to 5% of cases since being introduced in 23 as an alternative to custody. 12 Percent (%) of cases 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 28 29 Chart 16. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Canada, 1999/2-213/214 27 27 22 21 18 17 16 15 15 16 15 15 15 Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice The proportion of youth court cases resulting in custody in 213/214 was highest in Yukon (25%) and lowest in Quebec (9%) (Chart 17). Chart 17. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Canada, 213/214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 9 5 1 15 2 25 3 Percent (%) of cases Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 2 22 25 11 Probation is a community-based sentence which requires youth to abide by certain conditions, such as reporting to a probation officer and keeping the peace. 12 A deferred custody and supervision order allows youth who would otherwise be sentenced to custody to serve their sentence in the community under a number of conditions. Violations of conditions may result in the youth being sent to custody.

The proportion of cases resulting in custody has decreased in all jurisdictions (Charts 18-21). Chart 18. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Atlantic provinces, 1999/2-213/214 Percent (%) of cases 5 45 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 37 31 29 28 22 16 13 11 Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Chart 19. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Ontario and Quebec, 1999/2-213/214 Percent (%) of cases 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 32 23 2 9 Quebec Ontario Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Percent (%) of cases 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 29 29 23 21 Chart 2. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Western provinces, 1999/2-213/214 17 16 14 12 Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Chart 21. Percent of youth court cases resulting in custody, Territories, 1999/2-213/214 Percent (%) of cases 6 5 4 3 2 1 53 46 25 22 19 18 Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut Source: Statistics Table 252-67- Youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence, annual (number), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Case processing time The median length of time from first to last appearance in youth court was 12 days in 213/214 (about 4 months), up from 75 days in 1999/2 (Chart 22). 13 13 The median elapsed time is the mid-point of the number of days taken to complete a case, from the first to last court appearance.

Chart 22. Median length of youth court cases, Canada, 1999/2-213/214 Number of days 14 12 1 8 6 4 75 7 78 81 16 16 16 11 113 119 116 113 11 114 12 2 Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Yukon recorded the longest youth court case processing time in 213/214, three times longer than the shortest time in Prince Edward Island (155 days and 5 days, respectively) (Chart 23). Chart 23. Median length of youth court cases, Canada, 213/214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 5 71 79 81 89 12 12 119 117 127 133 141 146 155 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 16 18 Number of days Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Since 1999/2, case processing time has increased in all jurisdictions except Saskatchewan (- 13 days) (Charts 24-27).

Number of days 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 93 44 35 15 Chart 24. Median length of youth court cases, Atlantic provinces, 1999/2-213/214 133 12 89 5 Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Chart 25. Median length of youth court cases, Ontario and Quebec, 1999/2-213/214 Number of days 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 85 52 141 119 Quebec Ontario Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Number of days 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 11 92 77 73 Chart 26. Median length of youth court cases, Western provinces, 1999/2-213/214 146 127 117 79 2 Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Number of days 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 85 51 42 Chart 27. Median length of youth court cases, Territories, 1999/2-213/214 155 81 71 Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut Source: Statistics Table 252-66 - Youth courts, cases by median elapsed time in days, annual (number unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Youth corrections Community corrections On an average day in 213/214, there were approximately 9,5 youth in the correctional system in 14 Approximately 9% of these youth were in community corrections (Chart 28). 15 This was true across time and jurisdictions. 16 Chart 28. Percent of youth in custody and community supervision, average counts, Canada, 213/214 Canada (9 jurisdictions) Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Ontario 1 7 4 8 9 93 96 92 Custody Community supervision Manitoba 15 85 Saskatchewan 11 89 British Columbia 9 91 Yukon 12 88 Northwest Territories 12 88 Nunavut 15 85 2 4 6 8 1 Percent (%) Note: Excludes four jurisdictions that did not report data: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Alberta. Average counts provide a snapshot of the correctional population and represent the number of youth in custody or under community supervision on any given day. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Most youth in community corrections were on probation (9%). A smaller proportion of youth were serving a community portion of a custody sentence (4%), an intensive support and supervision order (4%), or a deferred custody and supervision order (2%). Between 23/24 and 213/214, the proportion of youth in an intensive support and supervision program increased from 1% to 4%, and the proportion of youth serving a deferred custody and supervision order increased from 1% to 2%. 14 Information on youth corrections comes from the Youth Corrections Key Indicator Report, the Youth Custody and Community Services survey, and the Integrated Correctional Services Survey. For more information on the methodology behind youth correctional statistics, see Correctional Services Program. 215. Youth correctional statistics in Canada, 213/214. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-2-X. 15 Community corrections includes probation (the most common type of community supervision), the community portion of a custody and supervision order, deferred custody and supervision, and intensive support and supervision programs. Intensive support and supervision is a sentence served in the community under conditions with closer monitoring and support than probation. 16 Excludes Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Alberta, as well as Northwest Territories community corrections 1999/2-27/28, and Nunavut 1999/2-2/21.

Custody On any given day in Canada in 213/214, there were approximately 1,19 youth in custody, resulting in a youth incarceration rate of 6 per 1, youth population. 17 The incarceration rate includes sentenced custody, pre-trial detention, and Provincial Director remand. Youth incarceration rates were highest in Manitoba (29 per 1, youth population) and Nunavut (22), and lowest in British Columbia (2) and Ontario (4) (Chart 29). Chart 29. Youth incarceration rate, Canada, 213/214 Canada (11 jurisdictions) Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 2 4 6 5 5 7 7 12 16 17 22 29 5 1 15 2 25 3 35 Rate per 1, youth Note: Excludes Quebec and Alberta, as data was not available. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Between 1999/2 and 213/214, Canada s youth incarceration rate declined from 18 to 6 per 1, youth (Chart 3). Youth incarceration rates declined in all jurisdictions during this time. 18 The largest drop coincided with the implementation of the YCJA (23). 17 The incarceration rate represents the average daily number of youth in custody for every 1, youth in the population. It includes youth in sentenced custody (secure and open custody), pre-trial detention, and Provincial Director remand. Pre-trial detention is the temporary detention of a young person in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing. 18 Quebec data was not available starting in 211/212. Ontario data was not available prior to 23/24. Alberta data were not available as of 212/213. Nunavut data were not available prior to 21/22.

Chart 3. Youth incarceration rate, Canada (11 jurisdictions), 1999/2-213/214 Rate per 1, youth 2 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 18 18 17 15 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 Note: Excludes Quebec and Alberta, as data was not available. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Over time, youth sentenced custody rates have declined and pre-trial detention rates have remained relatively stable (Charts 31). In 213/214, youth sentenced custody and pre-trial detention rates were virtually the same (3 per 1, youth). Rate per 1, youth 16. 14. 12. 1. 8. 6. 4. 2.. Chart 31. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Canada (11 jurisdictions), 1999/2-213/214 13.6 4.4 3.2 3.1 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention Note: Excludes Quebec and Alberta, as data was not available. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Youth sentenced custody and pre-trial detention rates declined in all jurisdictions between 1999/2 and 213/214, with the exception of Manitoba s rate of pre-trial detention, which increased from 1 to 17 per 1, youth (Charts 32-44).

Rate per 1, youth 25. 2. 15. 1. 5.. 2.8 19.3 Chart 32. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Newfoundland and Labrador, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 4.4 1.1 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 2. 15. 1. 5. 15.7 2.5 Chart 33. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Prince Edward Island, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 4.6..8 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 2. 15. 1. 5.. 14.9 3.1 Chart 34. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Nova Scotia, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 4.7 2.2 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial

Chart 35. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, New Brunswick, 1999/2-213/214 Rate per 1, youth 25. 2. 15. 1. 5.. 21.5 2.3 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 4.7 1.8 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 8. 6. 4. 2.. 1.8 7. Chart 36. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Quebec, 1999/2-21/211 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 2.5 1.6 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 2. 15. 1. 5.. 16.3 3.1 Chart 37. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Ontario, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 2.4 1.9 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial

Chart 38. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Manitoba, 1999/2-213/214 Rate per 1, youth 25. 2. 15. 1. 5. 2. 1.1 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 16.8 9.8. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 4. 3. 2. 1.. 29.5 7.2 Chart 39. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Saskatchewan, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 1.5 6.2 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 15. 1. 5.. 11.9 4.3 Chart 4. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Alberta, 1999/2-212/213 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 3.3 2.6 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial

Rate per 1, youth 8. 6. 4. 2.. 2.8 7.3 Chart 41. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, British Columbia, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 1.3 1.2 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 4. 3. 2. 1.. 34.2 13.2 Chart 42. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Yukon, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 6.1 5.7 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Rate per 1, youth 2. 15. 1. 5.. 146.1 11.2 Chart 43. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Northwest Territories, 1999/2-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 9.8 7.2 Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial

Rate per 1, youth 25. 2. 15. 1. 5. 2. Chart 44. Rate of youth in sentenced custody and pre-trial detention, Nunavut, 21/22-213/214 Sentenced custody Pre-trial detention 8.9 7.5 14.4. Source: Statistics Table 251-8 - Youth correctional services, average counts of young persons in provincial and territorial Most serious offence In half (49%) of cases in which youth were admitted to sentenced custody in Canada in 213/214, the most serious offence was violent. In a smaller proportion (42%) of cases in which youth were admitted to pre-trial detention, the most serious offence was violent (Chart 45). 19 19 Admissions describe the movements of youth from the time they enter correctional services until they leave. An admission is counted each time an individual begins or moves to any type of custody or community program. The same person can be included several times in the admissions counts whenever the individual moves from one type of legal status to another (e.g., from pre-trial detention to probation).

Chart 45. Youth admissions to sentenced custody and pre-trial detention where the most serious offence was violent, Canada, 213/214 Pre-trial detention, MSO=Violent (%) Custody, MSO=Violent (%) Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia (28/29) New Brunswick Ontario Manitoba British Columbia (28/29) Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut 1 24 28 26 21 27 34 33 31 2 4 42 49 57 6 6 55 61 61 78 83 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Percent (%) Note: Data for Canada does not represent all provinces and territories as there are variations in the availability of data for certain jurisdictions and years. Excludes Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta as data was not available. For Nova Scotia and British Columbia, the most recent year of available data was 28/29. Source: Statistics Table 251-13 - Youth custody and community services (YCCS), admissions to correctional services, by most serious offence, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice Aboriginal youth in corrections One-third (33%) of youth admitted to the youth correctional system in 213/214 were Aboriginal. 2 An even higher proportion of Aboriginal youth were admitted to sentenced custody (39%) and pre-trial detention (37%). Relative to their representation in the Canadian youth population (7% in 214), Aboriginal youth are overrepresented in the correctional system in Canada and in most jurisdictions (Charts 46-48). The disparity between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth in correctional services is more pronounced among female youth than male youth. In 213/214, Aboriginal female youth accounted for 43% of female youth admitted to the correctional system (3% male youth), 45% of female youth admitted to sentenced custody (38% male youth), and 49% of female youth admitted to pre-trial detention (33% male youth). 2 Excludes Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta as data was not available. Excludes cases where sex was unknown. Includes cases where Aboriginal identity was unknown.

Chart 46. Percent of Aboriginal youth admissions to correctional services, Canada, 213/214 Canada Newfoundland and Labrador 7 6 4 33 Aboriginal youth, general population (%) Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia (28/29) 5 4 7 Aboriginal youth, correctional services (%) New Brunswick 4 8 Ontario 4 1 Manitoba 25 74 Saskatchewan (28/29) Alberta (211/212) British Columbia Yukon 8 1 24 4 39 41 6 7 Northwest Territories Nunavut 63 85 88 99 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Percent (%) Note: Data for Canada excludes Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta as data was not available. Unless otherwise indicated, corrections data is from 213/214 and population data is from 214 (for Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, corrections data is from 28/29 and population data is from 29; for Alberta, corrections data is from 211/212 and population data is from 212). Population data for Aboriginal youth was not available for Prince Edward Island. Excludes cases where sex was unknown. Includes cases where Aboriginal identity was unknown. For all jurisdictions in 213/214, Aboriginal identity was unknown for 21% of admissions to correctional services. The unknown proportion was highest (4% or more) in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Source: Statistics Table 251-12 - Youth custody and community services (YCCS), admissions to correctional services, by sex and aboriginal identity, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database); Statistics Table 51-1 - Estimates of population, by age group and sex for July 1, Canada, provinces and territories, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Chart 47. Percent of Aboriginal youth admissions to sentenced custody, Canada, 213/214 Canada 39 38 45 Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island 7 8 Aboriginal youth, general population (%) Aboriginal youth, sentenced custody (%) Nova Scotia (28/29) 7 6 11 Aboriginal male youth, sentenced custody (%) Aboriginal female youth, sentenced custody (%) New Brunswick 1 1 13 Ontario 14 14 16 Manitoba 87 86 94 Saskatchewan (28/29) 74 71 9 Alberta (211/212) 47 51 74 British Columbia 5 48 57 Yukon 67 8 89 Northwest Territories 9 88 1 Nunavut 83 81 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Percent (%) Note: Data for Canada excludes Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta as data was not available. Unless otherwise indicated, corrections data is from 213/214 and population data is from 214 (for Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, corrections data is from 28/29 and population data is from 29; for Alberta, corrections data is from 211/212 and population data is from 212). Population data for Aboriginal youth was not available for Prince Edward Island. Excludes cases where sex was unknown. Includes cases where Aboriginal identity was unknown. For all jurisdictions in 213/214, Aboriginal identity was unknown for 21% of admissions to correctional services. The unknown proportion was highest (4% or more) in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Source: Statistics Table 251-12 - Youth custody and community services (YCCS), admissions to correctional services, by sex and aboriginal identity, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database); Statistics Table 51-1 - Estimates of population, by age group and sex for July 1, Canada, provinces and territories, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Chart 48. Percent of Aboriginal youth admissions to pre-trial detention, Canada, 213/214 Canada 7 33 37 49 Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia (28/29) 6 8 4 8 8 8 12 Aboriginal youth, general population (%) Aboriginal youth, pre-trial detention (%) Aboriginal male youth, pre-trial detention (%) Aboriginal female youth, pre-trial detention (%) New Brunswick 4 1 8 17 Ontario 4 11 1 16 Manitoba 25 8 78 85 Alberta (211/212) 1 47 45 55 British Columbia 8 42 46 56 Yukon 41 58 74 84 Northwest Territories 63 89 87 1 Nunavut 85 89 99 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Percent (%) Note: Data for Canada excludes Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta as data was not available. Unless otherwise indicated, corrections data is from 213/214 and population data is from 214 (for Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, corrections data is from 28/29 and population data is from 29; for Alberta, corrections data is from 211/212 and population data is from 212). Population data for Aboriginal youth was not available for Prince Edward Island. Excludes cases where sex was unknown. Includes cases where Aboriginal identity was unknown. For all jurisdictions in 213/214, Aboriginal identity was unknown for 21% of admissions to correctional services. The unknown proportion was highest (4% or more) in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Source: Statistics Table 251-12 - Youth custody and community services (YCCS), admissions to correctional services, by sex and aboriginal identity, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database); Statistics Table 51-1 - Estimates of population, by age group and sex for July 1, Canada, provinces and territories, annual (persons unless otherwise noted), CANSIM (database). Custom tabulation prepared by the Department of Justice

Conclusion Overall, police-reported youth crime has decreased in both volume and severity. Youth accused of a criminal offence are more likely to be diverted from the formal criminal justice system than charged by police. The youth incarceration rate has decreased across Aboriginal youth are overrepresented in the correctional system, especially female Aboriginal youth.