Youth in Custody Survey
Many youth who find themselves in custody in British Columbia come from difficult and chaotic backgrounds, and have a long history of involvement with the police and justice system. Yet the support of caring adults, and the educational opportunities and healthier lifestyle that the custody system provides, can make a positive difference in the lives of these young people.
McCreary Centre Society's Youth in Custody survey asks youth in British Columbia custody centres questions about their health, experiences in custody and the community, and plans for the future.
Between August 2012 and January 2013, 114 youth were surveyed across the three British Columbia custody centres located in Victoria, Burnaby, and Prince George. This was the third time that McCreary Centre Society surveyed young people in custody in BC. Previous surveys were conducted in 2004 and 2000. Each survey has been updated to include new questions of specific interest to community justice and youth custody services, and which reflect changing trends in adolescent health.
Reports
Time Out III: A profile of BC Youth in Custody
This report shares findings from McCreary's third survey of youth in custody. It looks at the health and experiences of 114 young people aged 12-19 who were in custody between August 2012 and January 2013.
Download the report here.
Listening to Young Women's Voices II: Conversations with girls who stayed in Burnaby Youth Custody CentreThis report is based on interviews with 57 girls aged 13-19 at the Burnaby Youth Custody Centre, following the centralization of custody services in Burnaby.
Download the report here.
Next Steps
Next Steps workshops with youth in BC custody centres have been held following McCreary's Youth in Custody surveys.
The Next Steps is a workshop series designed to take the results of McCreary surveys back to youth who participated in the survey.
Voices From the Inside II
This report highlights youth’s responses to the results of Time Out III, and their suggestions for improving the health and experiences of youth in custody, and supporting their transitions back to their communities.
Download the report here.