Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award recognizes police-led initiatives that use innovative and creative approaches to support young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The award highlights projects that promote positive outcomes for youth and encourage alternatives to formal court processes in line with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Presented in partnership with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association, the award includes national recognition and a $10,000 contribution to support the winning police service or eligible community organization.
About the Award
- The award celebrates innovative police-led youth justice initiatives.
- It recognizes creative approaches to addressing youth crime.
- The program promotes positive outcomes for young people in contact with the justice system.
- It highlights initiatives that apply Youth Criminal Justice Act principles.
- The award encourages responses that go beyond traditional court-based processes.
- National recognition is provided to outstanding policing initiatives.
- The initiative is presented in collaboration with key policing organizations across Canada.
Award Objectives
- Recognize excellence in youth justice policing.
- Encourage innovative responses to youth crime.
- Promote rehabilitation and positive youth development.
- Support approaches that reduce reliance on formal court proceedings.
- Highlight successful community-focused policing strategies.
- Strengthen collaboration between police and community partners.
- Advance fair and effective youth justice practices.
Priority Focus Areas
- Innovative youth justice initiatives.
- Alternative measures and diversion approaches.
- Community-based responses to youth crime.
- Crime prevention and intervention programs.
- Youth engagement and support services.
- Restorative justice approaches.
- Rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
- Police-community partnerships.
- Youth-focused public safety initiatives.
Special Consideration Areas
Particular consideration is given to initiatives that:
- Support Indigenous youth.
- Support Black youth.
- Address the needs of vulnerable youth.
- Promote equitable access to justice.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Reduce barriers faced by marginalized young people.
- Improve outcomes for youth involved in the justice system.
Award Benefits
Recipients receive:
- A certificate of recognition.
- National recognition for their initiative.
- Funding of $10,000 awarded in the name of the recipient(s).
Funding is provided to:
- The successful police service.
- A community organization when a federal entity is the recipient.
Additional support includes:
- Travel expenses for one representative to attend the award ceremony, covered by the Department of Justice Canada.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Eligible nominees include:
- Individual police officers.
- Teams of police officers.
- Other individuals involved in police-led initiatives.
The initiative being nominated must be police-led and demonstrate innovative approaches to youth justice.
Eligible Initiatives
Projects must:
- Be police-led initiatives.
- Demonstrate innovation and creativity.
- Support youth who come into contact with the justice system.
- Reflect the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Promote positive outcomes for young people.
- Have been active or initiated between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Police services.
- Community organizations.
- Justice officials.
- Individual police officers.
- Any person living in Canada.
Required Nomination Documents
Applications must include:
- A completed nomination form.
- A signed letter from the Chief of Police, Director, or Commanding Officer of the relevant agency.
Applicants may also submit supporting materials such as:
- News articles.
- Citations and awards.
- Letters of appreciation.
- Photographs.
- Additional supporting documentation.
Additional information may be required for recipients from Québec.
What Makes a Strong Nomination?
Strong nominations typically demonstrate:
- Innovation in youth justice policing.
- Clear positive outcomes for youth.
- Effective alternatives to formal court processes.
- Strong community engagement.
- Collaboration with local organizations.
- Measurable impact on youth and communities.
- Cultural responsiveness and inclusivity.
- Alignment with Youth Criminal Justice Act principles.
Why This Award Matters
- Young people often benefit from supportive interventions rather than punitive responses.
- Innovative policing can improve long-term outcomes for youth.
- Community-based approaches help strengthen trust and public safety.
- Early intervention can reduce future involvement in the justice system.
- Recognition encourages the sharing of successful youth justice practices.
- Inclusive and culturally responsive initiatives can better serve vulnerable youth populations.
Nomination Tips
- Clearly describe the problem the initiative addresses.
- Explain how the approach is innovative.
- Demonstrate measurable results and impact.
- Highlight positive outcomes for youth participants.
- Provide evidence of community partnerships.
- Include testimonials, media coverage, or supporting documents where available.
- Show alignment with Youth Criminal Justice Act principles.
- Explain how the initiative supports vulnerable or marginalized youth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award?
- It is a national award recognizing innovative police-led initiatives that support positive outcomes for youth involved in the justice system.
What does the award provide?
- Recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a $10,000 contribution awarded in their name to the eligible police service or community organization.
Who can be nominated?
- Individual police officers, police teams, and others involved in police-led youth justice initiatives.
What types of initiatives are eligible?
- Police-led projects that apply innovative approaches to youth crime and align with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
What time period must eligible initiatives fall within?
- Initiatives must have been active or started between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Who can submit a nomination?
- Any person living in Canada, including police services, community organizations, justice officials, and individual police officers.
Are supporting documents required?
- Yes. A signed endorsement letter is required, and additional materials such as news articles, photographs, and letters of appreciation may strengthen the nomination.
Conclusion
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award recognizes outstanding police-led initiatives that use innovative, youth-focused approaches to improve outcomes for young people in contact with the justice system. By celebrating effective alternatives to traditional justice responses and supporting culturally responsive practices, the award highlights programs that contribute to safer communities and brighter futures for youth across Canada.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.