The Criminalization of Homelessness

Can I See Your ID? 

The Policing of Youth Homelessness in Toronto

A report was released this week that explores "the relationship between homeless persons – in particular, street youth - and law enforcement officials". 

Authors of the report: O'Grady, Bill |  Gaetz, Stephen |  Buccieri, Kristy

JFCY Street Youth Legal Services lawyer, Johanna Macdonald, is quoted extensively throughout the report.


For more info, check out The Homeless Hub website or read the full report.   Let us know what you think.

Youth engagement in the City of Toronto

Anika Tabovaradan, thank you for your brave and strong words.  What an amazing display of youth engagement and empowerment!

Anika made a deputation, at 2am, during Toronto City Council's marathon public consultation.

Watch the video and read and about this impressive 14 year-old here.

LAWS: Law in Action Within Schools

Here is a link to an article about a fantastic organization - LAWS: Law in Action Within Schools.

LAWS matches law students at the University of Toronto with at-risk students in three city high schools. As the article states "LAWS is not meant to create a new generation of lawyers — although some students say their career choices have changed — but rather to spark student interest and inspire them to pursue higher education."

Read more about the article here. For more information, check out the LAWS website.

Upcoming Event: the law and youth workshop!

An upcoming full day workshop on the law and youth. The workshop will be led by lawyer Jeffery Wilson, actress Kate Trotter, and psychiatrist Clive Chamberlain. The workshop will be a meeting of youth with lawyers and judges. 

The workshop is free to youth 18 years and under. Teachers of life and law are exempted. Enrollment is limited so sign up early!

The event will take place at Flavelle House, University of Toronto, 78 Queens Park Crescent from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011. 

Pre-register at thelawandyouth.org or call 416 956 5635. Join on facebook! Also check out the website at thelawandyouth.org for more details. 

More on Youth Records

Back in August, this blog had information on youth records: who can see your youth record and when are youth records destroyed?

Today we bring you some more information about other issues a Youth Record may present.

1) A Youth Record may prevent you from being admitted into another country such as crossing the US-Canada border or flying abroad. If you have a record for drugs, weapons or violent crimes you may be denied access into another country.

2) A Youth Record can seriously affect your immigration status in Canada. If you are a visitor, refugee claimant, or landed immigrant (not a citizen) and you are found guilty or convicted of a crime in Canada, you may face serious consequences, and could be forced to leave Canada. This is a very serious area of law. Contact a lawyer right away if you are arrested. 


3) A Youth Record may prevent you from getting a job. It is not legal for an employer to ask about your youth record. It is legal for an employer to ask for a police record check. If your employer asks for a police record check, you make the request and the information comes to you. It is then up to you if you decide to show it to the employer. Unfortunately, the decision you make may affect your chances of getting a job.

This area of law is complicated. If you have any questions consult a lawyer. 
Who to Contact: 


Lawyer referral service: 
1-800-268-8326 


Justice for Children & Youth:
(416) 920-1633 (GTA)or1-866-999-5329 
www.jfcy.org

Youth and the Police

What to do if you are being questioned by the police:
Ask if you are free to go and why you are being questioned. If you are being searched, ask why. State that you want to speak to your lawyer. Make the telephone call right then if you have a cellphone. The Justice for Children and Youth GTA number is 416-920-1633.

What to do if you are being searched by the police: 
Police can only legally search you:

•  if you consent 
• OR they have a warrant 
• OR they are investigating your for a crime they suspect you did and it is for safety reasons 
• OR they are arresting you for a crime and they are searching for evidence linked to the crime.

If the police begin to search you or your belonging without reasons DO NOT RESIST. Say that you do not consent to the search. Remember that the police checking your name on their computer or getting you to empty your pockets is a search.

Under 18? Questioned or Arrested by Police? Here is a Step-by-Step

1. You should give your correct name, age and address. Ask if you are free to go. If they say no, they may be arresting you. 
2. Ask why you are being arrested. You have a right to know. 
3. Before the police can charge you, they must consider the following alternatives. They can:
• Let you go.
• Give you a warning
• Caution you (and even your parents) on the spot or at the police station
• If there are grounds for a charge, and if you agree, refer you to a community program. 
4. If the officer does not mention these alternatives, politely ask about the alternatives. 
5. You have the right to call a lawyer AND a parent or adult that you trust. The police must give you the phone number for a lawyer. You get as many calls as you need. 
6. Get advice from a lawyer before you say anything to the police. You have a right to have a lawyer with you if you decided to say anything. 
7. The police can't carry out threats or promises to make you say or write anything. 

Resources:
24 hour Legal Aid Lawyers 1-800-268-8326
Justice for Children and Youth 
416-920-1633 (inside GTA)
1-866-999-5329