THEREFORE BPW CANADA urges the Government of Canada to revise the Young Offenders’ Act as follows:that all violent offences committed by youths of 13 to 14 years of age (murder, manslaughter, aggravated and sexual assaults, armed robbery) automatically be tried in adult court with appropriate sentences.that there be public identification of young persons aged 14 or over, charged with violent crimes.that the maximum age of a young offender be reduced from 18 to 14 years.that one chance only be permitted under the Young Offenders’ Act for those youths ages 12/14 who commit violent offences and all subsequent offences must be automatically sent to Adult Court with age and maturity considered at sentencing.5. that when sentencing young offenders, the court should consider restitution and community service as an integral part of the sentence (the Youth Options Program in British Columbia is highly recommended as an option).6. that young offenders be held in custody during whatever sentence is assigned, separate from adult offenders, in facilities designed for youth offenders.
