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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