Intervening with Young Offenders: The Canadian Case

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Abstract
The Young OffendersAct (YOA) (1984) in Canada is a relatively new legislation that attempts to "connect" offending youths to appropriate services in the community. The front-line workers who are responsiblefor identifying andproviding services to youths may have one of the most diffi cult jobs in corrections. A goal of this article is to outline a practice approach for the front-line workers. There are numerous theories that attempt to explain juvenile delinquency. From the many theories, three were chosen for closer examination. The three theories are: Childhood Developmental Theory; Social Control Theory; and Social Learning Theory. These approaches were examined for practice directions related to the tasks prescribed by the YOA. Elements from each of these theories are drawn together to create underpinnings for the proposed practice approach. The choice for a rehabilitative approach is made at the outset of this paper. The tasks of thefront-line worker include assessing youths' needs and locating services for these youths. Assessment foci include: the individual youth, the family, the peer relationships, and the youth in school. Special attention is recommended for offering remedial help to youths in social and educational skill development areas. The major practice activity is described as "Matching" the youths to services.