ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of creating educational experiences that empower young people through art education and leadership training. It examines the available literature on incarceration and young offenders, concentrating on contemporary Canadian legislation, policies, and procedures. The mission statement for youth custody services in the Province of British Columbia is: To provide a safe, healthy and humane environment with a range of services that address, in an integrative fashion, the needs of youth, thereby promoting lawful behaviour and contributing to public safety. Many adults and young offenders still refer to the youth custody center as "juvie." Youth on pre-court detention or remanded to custody can be placed in any of the four living units. An encouraging note is that there has been a steady decline in the number of teens incarcerated in both secure and open custody. In the public discussion of youth problems, specifically incarcerated teens, the least heard voices have been those most deeply affected.
