With the goal of improving the care of young people in custody, the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, today outlined changes at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre (Youth Centre).

"A recent incident at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre was brought to my attention and I asked departmental officials to review of some of the practices of the facility," said Minister Kennedy. "This review has resulted in improvements for such matters as the use of strip searches and the process for notification of legal guardians about situations of concern at the facility. While best efforts have always been made to provide an appropriate level of care, we recognize that updating some practices must take place."

Upon admission of any young person to the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre, the legal guardians of the youth will be identified and contact information will be recorded in the event that notification must be given of an adverse situation. On the occasion of a situation where contact has been made with a legal guardian, this will also be recorded in the records system.

Improvements will also be made in how the behaviours of youth in custody are monitored. Officials at the Youth Centre will maintain more detailed logs of individuals and Sheriff�s Officers, who often transport youth, will also provide more detailed reports to Youth Centre officials when individuals in their custody are returned to the facility.

"The strip search policy of the Youth Centre is in line with other jurisdictions in Canada, however I want to ensure we fully respect those in custody and the integrity of the facility," said Minister Kennedy. "Visually monitoring meetings through a full-length window will decrease the likelihood that any form of contraband is transferred. Increased usage of video-conferencing from the Youth Centre with the courts will decrease the amount of transports to and from the facility. In addition to these measures, a further review of the strip search practices at the Youth Centre will be conducted."

Enhanced operation of the St. John�s Youth Detention Centre, located on Parade Street, for overnight arrests and holding youth in custody while in St. John�s for court will also improve the level of care given to those in custody.

"We must ensure the appropriate levels of care are given and the St. John�s Youth Detention Centre will allow us to hold young people separate from adult offenders for the majority of their time in custody while providing a secure and monitored environment," said Minister Kennedy. "Young people involved in the justice system must be given special consideration and it is my goal to have the highest of standards implemented at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre and other facilities where young people are involved in the system."

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