Youth probation officers' interpretation and implementation of the YCJA: a comparison of the successes and challenges in 2004 versus 2007

Many juvenile justice systems are characterized by an amalgam of different principles and ideologies, which have been incorporated into laws and policies regarding youth crime. This study examines the perceptions of youth probation officers (YPOs) concerning the 2003 Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) in Canada, which is one recent case example of a mixed model of juvenile justice. YPOs were asked about their understanding of the YCJA and their ability to apply the act in their daily work as well as their access to community programs in 2004 and 2007. In addition, qualitative interviews with a subsample of YPOs, conferencing specialists, and policy consultants were conducted in 2008 to gain more insight into YPOs’ work under the YCJA and the current youth justice policy. The results as well as previous research on the YCJA and policy implications are discussed. YPOs generally were able to comprehend the complex YCJA but had continued difficulties with the sections that involved either multi-ministry cooperation or the application of special sentencing provisions for Aboriginal young offenders. The results further disclosed regional variation in the access to community programs and resources.