Introduction

Advances in neuroscience as well as societal change have contributed to the recognition of an interim period between adolescence and adulthood, ages 18 to 25 years, having implications for how the criminal justice system may most effectively respond to this age group.

Issues related to young adultsFootnote 4 in the justice system in Canada have for several years been (and continue to be) a topic of discussion among government officials and non-government service providers. A joint report by the Correctional Investigator of Canada and Ontario’s Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, entitled “Missed Opportunities: The Experience of Young Adults Incarcerated in Federal Penitentiaries” (2017) identified several concerns related to young adults in federal facilities.

A workshop-style meeting “Young Adults and How Their Needs Are Being Served in Canada’s Correctional System” was held in Ottawa on March 12, 2020, attended by justice and correctional officials from federal and provincial/territorial government departments, plus two non-government representatives (see Appendix A). One of the “next steps” identified at the meeting was to conduct an environmental scan addressing research, legislative approaches, and innovative programming in Canada and internationally. This paper has been prepared in response.