Secure Custody
A Youth Court Judge orders Secure Custody for a youth who is assessed as posing a potential risk to the safety and well being of the community, or when the youth has a history of breaching the rules of a youth custody facility. Youths ordered into secure custody have their access to the community restricted or removed for a period of time.
Open Custody
A Youth Court Judge orders open custody when a youth is assessed as being able to be managed safely in the community. Open custody is managed in several small residential facilities and in a province-wide network of community homes. Youth in open custody are encouraged to attend community schools, obtain employment, receive treatment and participate in recreational activities in the community.
Community Homes Program
Selected youth aged 12 to 17 sentenced to open custody, on a Judicial Interim Release or serving community-based orders such as Deferred Custody, may participate in the Community Homes Program. The program takes a positive approach by assisting youth in conflict with the law in building positive lifestyles and re-entering the community.
The Ministry is looking for people willing to operate a community home and play a part in ensuring that youth receive the supervision they need in their home communities. A community homes is a private home designated as a place of open custody, and approved for the placement of one or two youth.
The primary qualification for an individual wishing to operate a community home is their ability to work with youth. A social worker evaluates these skills during a home study and assessment process. No specific academic qualification or training is required, but home operators receive ongoing training and support to develop their skills.
Are you interested in working with youth in a community home setting? More information is available in the Young Offenders section of Common Questions. Look for the question, "What are Community Homes?"
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