Province Reviewing Youth Custody Facilities
Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 12:45
The director of Saskatchewan’s young offender program says a review is being done on the province’s eight youth facilities.
Bob Kary says around 200 teenagers are sent to the facilities every year for a variety of offences.
He notes most of the facilities were built in the 1980’s and treatment needs have changed.
According to Kary, there are only about half as many youth in custody than before due to changes in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Kary explains youth who can receive programming in the community often stay in the community these days.
He says the facility in Prince Albert is currently the furthest one north, although many offenders in northwest Saskatchewan are sent to North Battleford.
Kary says eventually they want to develop a master plan for the buildings and their services.
When asked if this might lead to the construction of a youth healing lodge, he replied by saying “all options are on the table”.