● 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.