● Pleading Out: The first incarceration experience for a young person often leads to a guilty plea due to inadequate legal representation
   or simply not being able to tolerate the terrible conditions of pre-trial detention.

● Systemic Racism: Black youth often constitute 90 percent of youth in pre-trial detention. Issues of intersectionality and race are rarely
   addressed.

● First Nations: Indigenous women are the fastest growing segment of federally incarcerated people.

● Legal Representation: There are few resources for adequate legal representation, this has been magnified with cuts to Legal Aid.

● Post-Release Support: In terms of gaps; the biggest need for young people coming into contact with the justice system is housing
   followed by mental health, then employment/income support.

● Education on Rights: Many young people are not properly educated on their rights once incarcerated.

Laidlaw is working to support grantees working on addressing many of these issues from researchers to advocates. We have been actively engaged in public policy advocacy to address some of these issues along with correctional service transformation with partners. If you would like to learn more please contact us at info@laidlawfdn.org.