Corrections

Understand the components of the youth correctional system.
Summarize the two levels of custody.
Summarize the conditions of the Roy McMurtry facility.
Understand the challenges of youth with mental health issues and the criminal corrections system.

This module focuses on the youth correctional system, providing an overview alongside statistics related to youth in custody.
It includes a detailed look at the Roy McMurtry Center, referencing the 2013 Provincial Advocate report titled "It Depends Who’s Working," and discusses challenges related to mental health within the youth criminal justice system, notably in the context of the Ashley Smith case.

Youth who receive custodial sentences must serve them in youth custody facilities, separate from adult populations.
There are two levels of custody:
  - Open custody:
    - Resembles a group home atmosphere where youth must adhere to specific home rules.
  - Secure custody:
    - Resembles a jail environment specifically for youth.
All sentences of custody are followed by a period of community supervision, expressed with the term Custody and Community Supervision.
The division of time expected is approximately 2/3 in custody and 1/3 in community supervision.

Statistics from Stats Canada (2017/2018) indicate a continuing decline in youth in correctional services:
Average daily supervision in custody or community programs in the nine reporting jurisdictions dropped to 7,052 youth in 2017/2018, equating to a rate of 41 youth per 10,000 population—this reflects a 7% decrease from the previous year and a 34% decrease from 2013/2014.
Eight of the nine jurisdictions showed a decline in overall correctional rates compared to previous years, with Prince Edward Island experiencing the largest decrease at -20%.

The national rate of youth charged by police decreased by 21% between 2013 and 2017.
In 2017/2018, the youth correctional population predominantly consisted of 89% on community supervision daily.

Daily average of 792 youth in custody in 2017/2018 translates to 4 youth per 10,000 population, marking a 12% decrease from the prior year and a 29% decrease since 2013/2014.
Significant declines were noted across multiple provinces, with Alberta experiencing a -21% decrease.
Highest incarceration rates were recorded in:
  - Manitoba: 19 youth per 10,000
  - Saskatchewan: 16 youth per 10,000
  - Northwest Territories: 14 youth per 10,000
  - Nunavut: 9 youth per 10,000

There were 5,640 youth who initiated a period of correctional supervision in 2017/2018, indicating a 5% decrease from the previous year.
The majority (71%) of these entries were under community supervision, with the primary breakdown as:
- 47% on probation
- 22% in other community supervision (including non-residential programs)
The remaining 29% entered custody, mostly via pre-trial detention, showing a 13% decrease from the previous year.
Admissions to correctional facilities also fell:
- Total admissions reached 16,664 in 2017/2018, down 12% from the previous year.

Indigenous youth constituted 43% of admissions in 2017/2018, despite representing only 8% of the youth population in Canada.
This percentage increased from 26% in 2007/2008 to 43% in 2017/2018 for ongoing reporting jurisdictions.
They represent 48% of custody admissions and 39% of community admissions.

Over three-quarters (76%) of youth in correctional services were male.
The majority (54%) of admissions involved youths aged 16 to 17 years, with males aged 16 to 17 accounting for 42% of total admissions.

Most youth spend short periods in custody:
  - 78% of youths released from pre-trial detention had been there one month or less.
  - For sentenced custody, 40% spent one month or less, with 89% staying for six months or less.
  - Conversely, 94% of youth on probation are supervised for over six months.

Opened in 2009, the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre (RMYC) is the largest secure custody/detention centre in Ontario, with a capacity of 192 youth in cottage-style units of 12 each.
As of 2014, the average resident count was 64 males, illustrating a lower operational capacity.
Statistics indicate a significant number of youth are in secure detention versus custody, with most admissions attributable to non-compliance with non-custodial sentences.

Despite its intended design as a youth-centered facility, RMYC has faced various challenges since its inception:
- Initial staffing comprised individuals from adult corrections, many unprepared for youth-focused rehabilitation.
- Staff experienced difficulties managing peer-on-peer violence and gang-related issues, compounded by youth's background of high needs and systemic challenges.
The 2013 report, "It Depends Who’s Working", highlighted that staff quality greatly influences the youth's experiences and the importance of empathy, warmth, and flexibility in establishing relationships.
Due to peer violence and a focus on security, the operational environment leaned towards rules and restraints rather than rehabilitation.
Issues raised included safety concerns, excessive use of force, limited family access, and program waitlists.

In subsequent years, efforts have been made to enhance operations by increasing staffing, improving training, reducing youth count, offering more family visiting options, and expanding programming.
An on-site educational program is offered through the Peel District School Board, alongside various rehabilitative programs targeting criminogenic risks.
The opening of the EPIC Centre in March 2014 aims to address life skills and cognitive behavioral issues but faced challenges with low program enrollment.

The discussion pivots to the Ashley Smith case to illuminate systemic issues facing youths with mental health disorders in the corrections system.

Text chapter 8 p. 602-643
Review “2024 State of Criminal Justice System: Focus on Youth” (Department of Justice).
Document: RSD2024_State_of_the_Criminal_Justice_System_Report_A_focus_on_youth_En.pdf