Youth Justice Services in British Columbia is guided by the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, and in general, the principles set out in section 3 of the Act. The provincial Youth Justice Act, the Ministry Vision Statement, Mission, Principles and Role and Mandate as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, also guide Youth Justice Services.

Legislative Authority

Youth Justice Services and the activities of agents who operate within the system are governed by several federal and provincial statutes. The primary statutes are:

• Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada)
• Criminal Code (Canada)
• Youth Justice Act (British Columbia)
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms