Applying a Health Development Lens to Canada’s Youth Justice Minimum Age Law

Abstract

OBJECTIVES We applied a Life Course Health Development (LCHD) framework to examine experts’ views on Canada’s youth justice minimum age law of 12, which excludes children aged 11 and under from the youth justice system. METHODS We interviewed 21 experts across Canada to understand their views on Canada’s youth justice minimum age of 12. The 7 principles of the LCHD model (health development, unfolding, complexity, timing, plasticity, thriving, harmony) were used as a guiding framework for qualitative data analysis to understand the extent to which Canada’s approach aligns with developmental science. RESULTS Although the LCHD framework was not directly discussed in the interviews, the 7 LCHD framework concepts emerged in the analyses and correlated with 7 justice principles, which we refer to as “LCHD Child Justice Principles.” Child involvement in the youth justice system was considered to be developmentally inappropriate, with alternative systems and approaches regarded as better suited to support children and address root causes of disruptive behaviors, so that all children could reach their potential and thrive. CONCLUSIONS Canada’s approach to its minimum age law aligns with the LCHD framework, indicating that Canada’s approach adheres to concepts of developmental science. Intentionally applying LCHD-based interventions may be useful in reducing law enforcement contact of adolescents in Canada, and of children and adolescents in the United States, which currently lacks a minimum age law.