II. Background

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) is a federation of twenty-one autonomous societies. All societies are community-based groups dedicated to the provision of programs and services to women, youths and adults alike, who become involved in the criminal justice system. In addition to our networking function, CAEFS also provides a forum for public participation in and education about the criminal justice system. Our educational activities tend to concentrate on the need for reform with respect to the manner in which women experience the justice system.

One of our three priority issue areas is directly related to and includes the circumstances of young women and the manner in which they experience the Young Offenders Act. It is our view that, young women experience similar difficulties to those outlined by and about women who come into conflict with the law a adults. In addition, we believe that the situations of young women are compounded by other youth-specific issues, not the least of which is the manner in which "child welfare" concerns permeate and shape juvenile justice in this country. It is from this perspective that CAEFS approaches the YOA.

YOA Recommendations

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