How Attendance Programs Work Attendance programs are for young people placed on probation by the Court. This is a tougher sentence than ordinary supervision on probation. It is not as tough as placing a young person in custody. Private organizations or individuals operate attendance programs by contracting with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. These contractors work closely with local probation officers to make sure that young offenders attend the right program.
Contractors also make sure the young offenders complete the program successfully.
These programs are not jails which lock up the young person. Young offenders attend the programs as a condition of probation. However, the contractor reports young offenders who do not complete the program to their probation officer. They could spend up to six months in custody for failing to follow their probation orders. Attendance programs vary according to the length of time the youth must attend.