This report was published by Justice Canada & the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, Canadian Heritage.

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT:

This report sheds light on the ways in which anti-Black racism has shaped the experiences of Black youth with the criminal justice system in Canada. It was drafted to respond to requests from Black youth from across the country for the Government to address the impact of the criminal justice system on their lives.

To produce the report, engagement sessions were conducted in six cities across the country with Black youth who have been in contact with the criminal justice system (CJS). Discussions were also held with family members and other key stakeholders such as community leaders and professionals who could speak to the experiences of Black youth who have come into contact with the CJS.

This community-led process enabled participants to tell stories, which clearly demonstrate that reducing Black youth’s levels of contact with the CJS and improving their experience within justice institutions requires not only criminal justice reform, but also changes within all the various social systems that shape the lives of Black youth, their families, and their communities.