In this video, Matthew Eaton Kent, a criminal defense lawyer and child rights advocate, explores the alternative approaches utilized in Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice System to address youth offenses. Instead of relying on traditional punitive measures, the system emphasizes diversion and restorative justice practices.
Eaton Kent highlights various forms of diversion, including formal and informal diversion, sentencing circles, and specialized courts such as mental health and drug courts. These methods prioritize accountability and repairing harm over punishment. For instance, sentencing circles enable youth to meet with victims, community members, and supporters to directly address the harm caused, often through restitution or community service.
He also discusses the strict prohibition under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) against using detention as a substitute for social or mental health services. This is particularly important in cases where underlying issues such as mental health challenges or financial instability drive youth offenses. However, Eaton Kent notes that a lack of resources in social services can undermine the effectiveness of these approaches.
The video places a strong emphasis on the use of restorative approaches for Indigenous youth in Canada, where these practices align closely with their cultural values and needs. Eaton Kent underscores that alternative approaches in the youth justice system not only reduce psychological harm but also foster rehabilitation and help prevent reoffending.
