Youth Justice Services

Youth Justice Services provides supervision of Court ordered dispositions such as Probation Orders, Deferred Custody and Conditional Supervision Orders, Custody and Community Supervision Orders, as well prepares for and provides to the Youth Court, Pre-sentence Reports. Youth Justice Services also coordinates and supervises the Extra-Judicial Sanctions and Fine Option Programs which are Programs separate from the aforementioned judicial (Court) related duties and responsibilities

The main offices for Youth Justice Services are located in Charlottetown and Summerside with satellite offices in Montague, Souris, O’Leary, and Alberton. There are also youth diversion and prevention programs located outside of the main YJS offices, province wide:  The Youth Intervention Outreach Program offices are located at five police service locations across the province and Outreach Workers (Student Well-Being Team) located within all families of schools.

Youth Justice Services provides a multi-disciplinary approach to intervention with youth and families to reduce youth crime and the entry of young people into the formal justice system.  It includes the following programs and services for young people and youth criminal justice courts:

Youth Probation

• supervising and enforcing orders from the court, fine option program, extra-judicial sanctions
• managing cases based on assessed needs and specific requirements of the case
• conducting investigations and providing pre-sentence and progress reports to the court
• ensuring appropriate action and follow-up of non-compliance of court orders and/or extra-judicial sanctions agreements

Outreach Worker (Community Programs)

The Outreach Worker (Community Programs) provides:

• one-to-one casework and guidance/support services to high risk/high needs youth and youthful adults (up to age 29)
• working with formal justice clients, as well as school and community-referred youth
• facilitation of prevention programs for youth and their families within the community
• involvement in community programming initiatives designed to support youth at risk in their own communities

Youth Intervention Outreach Program

The Youth Intervention Outreach Program assists youth and families who have been identified by the police where the youth is at risk for actual, or potential, conflict with the law. All referrals are identified and completed by police personnel to the Youth Intervention Outreach Program prior to any formal charges.

•    one-to-one casework and guidance/support services to high risk/needs youth and their families
•    facilitation of prevention programs for youth and their families within the community
•    involvement in community programming initiatives designed to support youth at risk in their own communities
•    facilitation of the Rethink: Youth Program for Cannabis Education

Outreach Worker (Student Well-Being Team)  

Student Well-being Outreach Workers help students at school, in the community, and at home to address things such as behavioural problems, emotional, social and relationship issues and other challenges.  They are part of a multi-disciplinary team in collaboration with Education and Health PEI.
•    one-to-one casework and guidance/support services to youth and their families
•    facilitation of prevention programs, presentations and groups for youth and their families at school and in the community

Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Worker

The Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Worker provides:

• one-to-one case work and guidance/support services to high risk/ high needs youth and youthful adults (up to age 29)
• works with formal justice clients, as well as school and community referred youth
• connects, advocates and assists youth and families with culturally relevant community resources, mentorship, and other support services, helping them navigate the youth justice system
• develops and facilitates programming and initiatives that support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth

Agency, Resiliency and Accountability Program (ARAP)

A leadership life skills program for BIPOC Youth – Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Worker/ Youth Justice Services (Outreach Worker Community Programs).

Program description:

A strength-based youth program tailored for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) ages 12-17, created in collaboration with BIPOC USHR. 

The program is designed to help youth develop skills needed to navigate school, home, their communities and the youth justice system if needed. Through culturally responsive approaches, youth will build their skills in areas of emotional regulation, communication, self-advocacy, accountability, and positive decision-making while exploring their identity and personal strengths.

The objectives:

The topics include Understanding Systems, Accountability and Personal Growth, Emotional Regulation, Strengths and Identity, Self Advocacy and Communication

It is a five-session program delivered through interactive activities, group discussions or one on one sessions, with practical skill building exercises in a safe, supportive and culturally responsive environment. The program helps youth learn how to navigate systems, strengthen relationships and recognize personal strengths to manage challenges and achieve personal goals.       

Referrals are accepted from the community, schools, professionals and self-referrals.

Rethink: Youth Program for Cannabis Education

A Youth Diversion and Education Program.  A partnership between Health PEI and Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Rethink Program is an early intervention, prevention focused program for youth identified as using cannabis.  

The objectives of Rethink are to redirect youth from the formal justice system, provide current information to youth on the legal, health and societal implications of cannabis use, along with prevention strategies and offer youth education and tools to make positive life choices.

Topics include: Cannabis and the Justice System. Impact of Cannabis on Your Body. Cannabis and Impaired Driving. Making Healthier Choices. 

Rethink is designed as a two-session program, with each session being approximately two hours in duration. The program is available to youth between the ages of 12-19 years old by trained staff from Mental Health and Addictions and Youth Justice Services. Rethink Contact Information: Youth Justice Services 902-368-4587

What are the fees?

There are no costs to participants for any of the services. Participation in the above services/programs is through the Youth Justice Court, RCMP/Police and Youth Justice Services (Community agencies and self referrals can be made to the Community Youth Worker Program).

Who can I contact for more information?

Charlottetown Office

(902) 368-4587

Summerside Office

(902) 888-8200.