The care to custody pipeline is a pervasive problem that is perpetuated by the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services which oversees youth justice and Children's Aid Societies in Ontario.

To date the Ontario government has not implemented any polices to address the specific vulnerabilities of "crossover youth", who come up against the child welfare and youth justice systems. 

Youth involved with Children's Aid Society are over represented in the youth justice system. Crossover youth are more often detained pending bail or resolution of charges in comparison to the general public although there is no evidence crossover youths commit more frequent or severe offences. And are more likely to be sentenced to custody and probation. Crossover youth represent a substantial proportion of those in youth custody facilities. At times, once a youth becomes involved with the justice system their ties to the Children's Aid Society are dissolved. Often there is no positive adult advocate and represent them in court. 

Crossover youth are a particularly vulnerable subset of our population. These youth often experience higher rates of substance abuse, mental health, trauma and frequently lack strong bonds to positive supports. To address the needs of crossover youth a timely and holistic approach to case management is essential. 

I am urging the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to implement policies that require collaboration and communication between youth justice and the child welfare systems in order to more effectively support youth.

Inter-agency collaboration would provide a wraparound approach through a coordinated and tactful case management plan to ensure risk factors are addressed by professional supports and promote positive outcomes for vulnerable youth. Key players need to be having discussions in one room, together! Key players include but are not limited to, courts, probation officers, CAS workers, teachers, social workers and mental health professionals. Further the youth's perspective should be encouraged, as strategies are more effective when youth are included in case management. Inter-agency collaboration has been proven to yield positive outcomes for crossover youth!

Crossover youth are vulnerable individuals! We need to pursue policies that level the playing field for everyone! I urge you to sign this petition, to help youth in care as they navigate the youth justice system!