Child and Youth Advocate Norman Bossé is calling on police, lawyers, school officials and health professionals to work together with communities to fulfill New Brunswick’s obligations under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The report addresses problems including the lack of early intervention, consistency of practice across the province and full legal representation.
He says youths caught in the system are disadvantaged in ways including mental health disorders, addiction issues, neglect and homelessness.
The report warns that mixing low-risk with youth who have committed serious offences increased the likelihood of a low-risk youth becoming high-risk.
Bossé noted New Brunswick has made real progress addressing youth criminal justice issues the last few years, but more work still needs to be done.
