Marginalized Youth and Repeat Offending in Haliburton County

Marginalized Youth and Repeat Offending in Haliburton County

Sarah Herron

Haliburton Human Service and Justice Committee, Dave Jarvis

Sharon Beaucage-Johnson and the Forensic Science Department

TP-657

2012

Online

Haliburton County

The purpose of the current study is to analyze the alternative treatment options, as opposed to traditional sentences, in Haliburton County available for youth with mental health conditions in the criminal justice system. I will determine whether or not the current programs are effective in reducing repeat offending or if improvements need to be made by comparing the programs to ones in the literature. I analyzed interviews with mental health and justice service agency members and compared the data to alternative treatment programs located in the literature and testimonials from people with mental health conditions. I found that the programs in Haliburton are most successful (positively impact youth) in assisting youth when a positive relationship is established before starting counselling and individualized treatment plans are created for each youth, but there was insufficient evidence to determine if the programs did or did not result in a reduction in repeat offending. Many areas presenting issues included the lack of transportation and specialized services in rural areas, lack of educated police, and inaccessible services. I have determined that the programs in Haliburton County are effective for assisting youth with mental health conditions in the justice system, but could be improved upon if the above issues are addressed.