NCJ Number
145525
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 35 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 437-458
Date Published
1993
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Canadian youth court responses to female young offenders between 1974 and 1991 are examined. Variations by province are also explored.
Abstract
The Young Offenders Act was enacted in Canada in 1983 to correct disparate treatment based on gender that existed under earlier laws. It was also intended to balance the need to protect the community with the needs of youths in a context that provided due process. This article looks at the treatment of female offenders since the law was enacted. It also examines briefly differences in how female offenders are handled by province. Arrests for status offenses have decreased since offenses unique to juveniles have been decriminalized. There has been an increase in total charges filed, however, especially for assault and for violation of youth justice administration orders. Dispositions remain mostly community-based but custody rates have not decreased. Many gender inequities that had existed are no longer obvious under the Youth Offenders Act but substantial differences remain. Neither males nor females are better off, however, suggesting that the protection of society and the accountability of young offenders is taking precedence over the special needs of youths. 6 tables