Youth
Justice Committee Conference
By Jason Chance
 Danny Graham tells the poignant story of Albert — a senior citizen who was let down by the youth justice system as a teenager in England. "We need to create a lot of energy and new opportunities so we don't lose the Alberts of the world." |
Nearly 250 delegates attended the first-ever Alberta Youth Justice Committee Conference in Edmonton on February 23-24, 2001.
Representatives from most of Alberta's 86 committees used the opportunity to network with fellow volunteers and share the challenges and successes of their work with young offenders. Assistant Chief Judge Janet Franklin, Judge Tony Mandamin, Judge Ray Bradley, RCMP members, justice coordinators on Metis settlements, and Alberta Justice staff also attended.
Delegates participated in several informative sessions on a wide range of topics including youth gangs, interviewing skills, creative consequences and Aboriginal initiatives.
During his plenary session address, former Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General Paul Bourque officially launched the new Youth Justice Committee web site.
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What some delegates said: "It's essential that we have conferences like this — especially for volunteer groups. This shows that Alberta Justice is interested in what volunteers think. It's a good opportunity for two-way communication."
"This is an excellent conference. The gang session was really interesting...I wish we had even more time. I also like the idea of [audio] tapes being available of the different sessions to bring back to the other committee members."
"It was interesting to talk about the differences between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal committees. I'm glad I was asked to come because I'm learning a lot."
"There is a lot of good information here and it is an excellent forum for getting ideas. We should meet regularly."
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"The theme of the new web site, Supporting our youth — Strengthening our communities, refers directly to your efforts," Bourque said. "With every young person you work with, you help Alberta Justice reach our goal of building safer and more caring communities."
Danny Graham of Justice Canada provided a candid discussion on restorative justice and the important role of youth and other community justice committees across Canada during his keynote address.
Youth justice committees are made up of community-minded volunteers who work directly with young offenders to offer locally developed solutions to youth crime. The committees provide support for the young offenders and an alternative to the formal court process and a criminal record. They also allow victims and other community members the opportunity to get involved if they desire.
The event was hosted by the Young Offenders Branch, Alberta Justice with financial support from Justice Canada, to promote youth justice renewal strategies and initiatives.
