Last reviewed in May 2022 by the Clicklaw Editors

A youth record is a record of a young person's involvement in Canada's youth justice system. The time a youth record lasts depends on several factors, including how serious the offence was, the outcome of the case, and whether the young person commits another offence while their record is open.

Good starting points include:

• Youth Records, from Canada's Department of Justice, provides information about what a youth record is, whether it is destroyed when a youth becomes an adult, who has access, how it may affect travel and employment, and more.
• Consequences of a Youth Record, from the People's Law School, describes the types of youth records, how long they last, what happens when a youth turns 18, and issues such as employment and crossing the border.
• LSLAP Manual: Youth Justice, from the UBC Law Students' Legal Advice Program, explains who may keep youth records and who may access them. See the discussion "Records: Access and Disclosure" in the section "Criminal Offences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act."

Need more help?

• Lawyer Referral Service, from Access Pro Bono, offers a free, brief initial consultation with a lawyer to determine your legal needs. If you would like further help from your lawyer, you can retain them at an agreeable rate of charge.
• Law Students Legal Advice Clinics, from UBC Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP), provides free legal advice and representation to low income clients.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about children & teens
• See all common questions about crimes & offences

tags

youth record, young people and criminal law, criminal records, youth justice, juvenile, juvenile record, teens, young offender, children's rights, kids