An effective youth justice system must be capable of responding to the range of crimes committed by young people. Different approaches are also appropriate for the small number of young offenders who commit very violent crimes and for the vast majority of non-violent young offenders. The belief in the rehabilitative capacity of young people is a fundamental principle of the youth justice system. Successful rehabilitation protects society and prevents further victimization, particularly since youth return to their communities at a relatively young age. This fact makes rehabilitation especially important for violent young offenders.
Rehabilitation is also a key part of society's responsibility towards young people.
It is a strategy that includes reform of our youth justice legislation but extends beyond it.