Do the police have to tell my parents about what has happened to me?

Yes. The YCJA is trying to help young people, their families, and communities take responsibility for criminal behaviour. The police are required to make every effort to contact your parents or guardian when you are charged with an offence.

If you are released and allowed to go home, the arresting officer must give notice in writing to your parent of all legal proceedings involving you. The notice must be made as soon as possible, and must contain

• your name,
• the charge against you,
• the time and place that you must appear in court, and
• a statement that you, as a young person, have the right to be represented by a lawyer.

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January 2004

More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

• Introduction
• Arrest / Police
• Extrajudicial Measures
• Extrajudicial Sanctions
• Youth Court

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