Youth Corrections & Probation Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a core belief concerning the treatment of individuals in corrections?

Promoting individual achievements

Dwelling on past mistakes

Ignoring healing processes

Focusing on collective responsibility (correct)

Which practice is frequently criticized for its negative impact on girls in custody?

Facilitating group therapy sessions

Offering educational programs

Conducting strip searches (correct)

Using family visits as rewards

How do perceptions of violence differ between boys and girls in corrections?

Girls immediately resolve fights without escalation

Boys' violence is based primarily on physical size (correct)

Boys hold grudges more than girls do

Girls engage in physical violence more often

What is a common misconception about girls in the correctional system?

Girls frequently conspire to manipulate others Signup and view all the answers

What does current research suggest about the treatment of young girls in custody?

Their histories of abuse are typically ignored Signup and view all the answers

What has been identified as a significant issue for girls in custody within the criminal justice system?

Overrepresentation of girls due to runaways and prostitution Signup and view all the answers

Why are group homes considered less successful for girls compared to foster homes?

They are designed primarily for boys and their specific needs. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) tends to criminalize more youth?

Release conditions that are too restrictive Signup and view all the answers

How do cross-over kids typically find themselves involved with the criminal justice system?

By starting in the welfare system or foster care before age 12 Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do parents face under the current Youth Criminal Justice Act?

The court punishes them for ineffective parenting Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key purposes of restorative justice?

To facilitate a meeting between victims, offenders, and community members Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a negative effect of custody sentences for youth?

Higher risks of bullying and victimization Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the mandatory conditions of probation?

Attend school regularly Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument against the reliance on custody given under the Young Offenders Act (YOA)?

It is used for non-violent offenses too often Signup and view all the answers

Which type of custody has fewer restrictions of movement?

Open custody Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of restorative justice for youth offenders?

It encourages taking responsibility for their actions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a drawback of restorative justice?

It can sometimes lead to feelings of shaming Signup and view all the answers

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which of the following is a condition for custody?

Compliance with prior non-custody sentences Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic issue contributes to disparities in the youth corrections system?

Lack of cultural representation Signup and view all the answers

How does the average annual cost of custody compare to community residential programs?

Custody costs significantly more at $80,000 compared to $8,000-$12,000 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of youth in custody represents those who fail to comply with court orders?

23% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of youth custody sentences?

Disruption in educational progression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'total institution'?

A structured environment that regulates all aspects of life Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for probation involving youth offenders?

Adherence to specific curfew and behavioral standards Signup and view all the answers

How are custody rates related to race and ethnicity issues in juvenile justice?

Custody rates increase regardless of the crime's severity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Youth Corrections & New Issues

Restorative Justice: Focuses on victim's rights and relational justice, involving meetings between victims, offenders, and community members to discuss the crime's impact, and reach an agreement. Communication between all parties is key.
Restorative Justice (continued): Possible options include apology as a way of amends, restitution for the offense, and a focus on changing the offender's future behavior while respecting all parties involved.

Probation - Mandatory Conditions

Mandatory conditions: Require offenders to maintain peace, good conduct, and appear in court as required.
Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) conditions: Prohibit possession of weapons and explosives. Other conditions ensure good conduct. Prohibits/controls various behaviours.

Probation - Additional Conditions

Additional conditions: Include reporting to a probation officer, attending school, residing at a specified address, and reporting any changes of address. Other conditions include prohibiting certain behavior.

Total Institution - Goffman (1961)

Total institution: Goffman's concept where all aspects of an individual's life are regulated within the same setting. This encompasses a regulated hierarchy, loss of individual autonomy, and the structured nature of daily life.

Youth Prison - Change with YOA

Secure custody: Requires substantial restrictions on movement inside & outside the facility.
Nonsecure (open) custody: Allows fewer restrictions on movement, with supervised activities. Newer legislation affects classification in many provinces.

Youth Centres

Ontario Youth Centres: Custody is determined by age (12-15/Phase 1 & 16-17/Phase 2), with provincial directors having decision-making power. The YCJA ensures all provinces have both levels of custody.

Youth Offender Act (YOA)

YOA Issues: Reliance on custody is problematic, particularly for non-violent offences, where short periods of time in custody are used. Higher rates compared to US, and no differentiation between violent and non-violent crimes.

Custody Sentences - Negative Effects

Costs: Custody is costly.
Other Negative Effects: Includes interruptions in education, higher rates of disciplinary infractions, bullying, trauma, and increased risk of suicide.

Custody for Youth (YCJA)

Conditions: Offenses (violent/indictable) & past non-compliance with youth custody arrangements (previous convictions, probation violations etc.) determine if custody is likely required. It is reviewed yearly by a court, possibly with a judge's jurisdiction.

Cost of Custody

Yearly average cost (per youth): Approximately $80,000
Costs of Various Programs: Community residential programs cost between $8,000 to $12,000 per year. High security programs can be up to $126,000. Intensive supervision is more expensive ($7,000).

Race & Ethnicity Issues

Systemic Issues: Potential for discrimination (police and courts) and the effects on sentencing. There may be a disproportionate likelihood of receiving custody sentences when considering factors such as poverty.
Indigenous Youth Issues: Colonialism's effects, social problems, and issues affecting children from mixed or Indigenous backgrounds

Indigenous Youth - Role of Culture

Indigenous Culture vs. Non-Indigenous Cultures: Differences are discussed in respect to problems and expectations. Core beliefs include not burdening others with problems, present/future focus, collectivism, and focus on healing.
Indigenous Issues: Problems faced by Indigenous youths are outlined.

Challenges of Working with Delinquent & Aggressive Girls

Working with aggressive girls: Issues faced by youth workers, such as demeaning language, physical aggression, touching, and isolation from staff.
Custody: Addressing issues, such as disproportionate use of custody, inadequate programs, as well as paternalistic decision-making.

Rethinking Correctional Responses to Girls

Constitutional issues: Protecting the rights of detained youth is a major consideration. Provincial laws and their role in protecting girls is also reviewed, and the impact of apprehension on girls once they are released.

Poverty and Marginalization

Marginalization: Poor and marginalized youth are disproportionately represented in the justice system, often for reasons like runaways or prostitution.
Solutions: Providing adequate support and alternatives to incarceration may be important

Options (other)

Foster Care as a Alternative: foster care, group homes (differentiated) as options. Programs may not be sufficient for all youths.
New Issues (YCJA): Age and accountability, pretrial detention, and release conditions.

Parental Rights/Supports & Cross-over Kids

Parental rights: Parental rights issues and adequate support for parents and youth.
Cross-over kids: Youth who move between welfare and the juvenile justice system (under the age of 12). Youth in conflict with multiple agencies can be problematic.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in youth corrections, including restorative justice and the mandatory conditions of probation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Test your understanding of the roles of offenders, victims, and community involvement, as well as the additional requirements placed on youth offenders in probation scenarios.