Educators

Teachers and other education professionals have direct daily contact with children and youth, and can play an essential role in their social development. Schools often represent the only social venue in a community where a child or youth at risk can be identified, and measures taken to help him or her at an early stage. Schools are sometimes the site or target of aggressive behaviour by troubled youth and children. Schools can be called upon to play a key role with youth involved in the justice system, as school attendance is often included as a condition of sentence.

School officials can play a major role in the renewal of youth justice by helping to identify how to prevent youth crime, by defining how best to deal with behaviour disorder problems, by working with youth involved in the justice system to ensure that their educational and other needs are addressed, and by supporting the reintegration of youth and children into the community.

Examples of educators playing a role in the renewal of youth justice:

• Zero Tolerance, School Discipline, In School Suspension and Alternative to Expulsion
  
  The Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) conducted a review of youth related literature, as well as focus group discussions with practicing school-based administrators. The review examined suspensions, alternatives to suspension, and zero-tolerance policies in Canada and other countries. Findings and sources of related information will be communicated to school administrators through the CAP Journal.
  
  
• Information Sharing Guide and Protocol
  
  The Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) developed a guide and protocol for the education community; the guide and protocol relate to information sharing between school officials and youth justice personnel.
  
  
• Research on Successful School-Based and Community Programs for Youth in Care and Youth in General
  
  Youth Justice Education Partnership (YJEP) developed a compendium of information sources on programs and intervention strategies for youth that experience behaviour problems in/and out of school. The compendium indicates how each listing or source can be accessed, the cost involved, and the nature of available information. The YJEP also enhanced its Web site to include a "Telling Stories" section that includes stories prepared by youths and those working with youths.
  
  
• Education-Youth Justice Policy Research Forum: Selected Topics for Community Collaboration
  
  The Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC) hosted a national forum to develop practical, policy-oriented suggestions for government officials; to identify, then consider informally, ideas for shared action on selected areas; and to establish ongoing means of information sharing. The forum allowed education and justice officials and others to consider how the education and justice sectors can share data about youth conduct and behaviour problems, develop a shared understanding of best practices and research-based programs, and exchange information on current Initiatives.