Young people can find themselves part of the criminal justice system in Canada from the age of twelve. Until the age of seventeen their charges fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, legislation created to reflect their particular circumstances and needs. Youth custodial facilities separate alleged young offenders from adults. And yet, the reality can still be a very scary place for both parents or caregivers and the youths charged.
Understanding the criminal procedure flowing from an arrest is essential to achieving the best possible result. A criminal defence lawyer can help families navigate through the system, understand the charges faced, and determine which rights may have been infringed.
Steps in the legal system requiring preparation can include:
• Bail Hearing Court
• Set Date Court
• Disclosure of the alleged offence
• Pre-trial meeting(s)
• Judicial pre-trial meeting(s)
• Trial
At each stage, decisions may need to be made which will effect the outcome of the proceedings. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of all complex issues before making those important decisions.
If families do not have the funds to hire a lawyer by private means, they can apply to the provincial Legal Aid program. In that case, a certificate to retain a lawyer will be issued if the applicant qualifies (payment terms may apply).
The court system is not the time to abandon a troubled youth, especially when she or he may have a defence. A family’s support can make the difference in ensuring that any lessons learned are positive ones.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you camp and event ideas, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your family.
PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Celebrate March Break at Playdium with over 200 of today’s newest Games, Rides & Simulators. Win prizes at our Redemption & Prize Zone. New! - Spin Zone Bumper Cars & MaxFlight Roller Coaster Simulator. Visit www.playdium.com for our Great Value March Break Specials. ULTIMATE FUN!
 Be a Rock Star - March Break Madness at the Bata Shoe Museum Sponsored Listing ‘Rock on’ at the Bata Shoe Museum with your Backstage Pass for exclusive access to all the rockin’ good activities, including cardboard guitar-making, decorating cookies, tattoos, try-on costumes, funky footwear, treasure hunts and more! Special Musical Tribute to Justin Bieber on March 14. Daily iPod Shuffle draws !
Free to Be You and Me, The Lower Ossington Theatre Sponsored Listing A unique combination of hilarious skits and great music, Free to Be… features many charming messages of growth, change and self-esteem that are as relevant today as they were when this cherished musical was first released in the 1970s. A bona fide children’s classic!
 Make a March Break Masterpiece Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends.  WALK IN WELCOME.   March Break Camp (14th-18th; week long/ half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
 March Break Toy Design Camp Sponsored Listing In partnership with Spin Master Toys, this hands-on design based camp for young designers aged 7 to 10 will explore the world of toy design from concept to prototype. Projects include Toys with Wheels, Stuffed Creatures and Things that Fly.
 Bring Your Kids for A Meal Assembly Session During March Break (ages 8 and up) Sponsored Listing Just Add Heat is a busy family’s best friend. Come to our professional style kitchen and assemble freezer friendly meals in record time. Choose from 16 delicious new meals each month, select a session time, then fill your freezer with nutritious homemade dinners! Or try our Done Like Dinner® service where we assemble your meals for pick up - at no extra charge.Â
Contact: (905) 338-9816, info@justaddheat.ca or www.justaddheat.ca
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 March Break “GAME SHOW MANIA” Adventure Camp Sponsored Listing Adventure Camp March 14-18th. Activities based on popular shows like Minute to Win It & Fear Factor. Kids Age 4-12 can do Soccer, Basketball, Fitness, Karate, Dance, Art, Computers, Science Experiments, Music & More. 20% Bring a Friend Event. If you bring a friend, you both get 20% off your fees! (*see website or call for details)
 Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing Discover unique learning adventures for the whole family at the quality cultural sites owned and operated by the City of Hamilton! Experience hands-on activities, crafts, games, dress-up, digital photography and videography, art and science, and much more.
Contact: museums@hamilton.ca or www.hamilton.ca/museums
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 March Break Camp at Kids Time Sponsored Listing Kidstime March Break Camp ages 4-10 years. Book early and save $20/full week 9am -5pm. Camp includes arts/crafts, mini golf, arcade and play ground fun. Weekly, full-day, half-day, early drop-off and late pick options available. Visit our website www.kidstime.ca or call 905-820-2525 to book.Â
 March Break Dance Camp Sponsored Listing Tandem Studios is excited to host another year of Dance Camp. Campers will experience a wide variety of styles; jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and more! 9-4pm March 14th-18th and a weekly showcase. Contact us to register as spaces are limited!Â
Sleeping Beauty & Robin Hood, Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts Sponsored Listing Join us this March Break for Sleepy Beauty and Robin Hood! Just when the audience becomes enthralled by the story - a twist is created! Before your very eyes, members of the audience are asked to come up on stage and join in the action. Tickets only $15, Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre. 5040 Yonge Street.
Steeles West Gymnastics March Break Camp Sponsored Listing: Come to Steeles West Gymnastics for a fun gymnastics and fitness experience over the March Break. Active games, trampoline, bars, beam, vault, floor and tumbling all taught by certified, friendly and experienced coaches. For ages 4 and up.Â
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you exciting camps and events in Toronto and the GTA, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your child(ren).
Fun-Filled Gymnastics Camp at Gymalaya Sponsored Listing Gymalaya camp is designed to build physical, mental and social skills in a fun and non-competitive environment. Activities include: gymnastics, games, dance, crafts, story time and much more fun. State-of-the-art clean and bright facilities. Register early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited for each camp day! Contact: Gymalaya Vaughan: (905)760-5655, Gymalaya Newmarket: (905)868-8200, www.gymalaya.com.
 Creation Recreation Sponsored Listing It’s a Mixed Bag of March Break Creations! Register for our half day or full day workshops that include clay, ceramic and glass. Don’t want to commit to a workshop, no problem just drop in anytime between 10am - 6pm and create something unique. Contact: 1-888-909-TIJA or www.tijaceramicstudio.com.
 March Break Camp at Steeles-West Gymnastics Sponsored Listing The March Break program runs March 15-19 half- days or full days, for 7 -14 year olds. You may register for any single day(s) or for the full week. The program includes gymnastics activities, active games, crafts, and snack time(s). 601 Magnetic Dr., Unit 21, North York. Contact: 416-736-8759, swgymnastics@on.aibn.com or www.steeleswestgymnastics.com.
 PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Playdium is the ultimate interactive, virtual and physical Family Entertainment Centre. Our 40,000 Sq. Ft Game floor features over 200 of today’s most exciting attractions, rides and simulators. Play to win in our exciting Redemption & Prize Zones! Your ultimate choice for interactive fun! Contact: 905-273-9000, info@playdium.com or www.playdium.com.
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Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing MARCH BREAK MADNESS at the Children’s Museum IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR at Dundurn Castle SQUEAKY CLEAN at the Steam Museum A MONUMENTAL MARCH BREAK at Battlefield House WONDERLAND at Whitehern VIDEO CAMP at Fieldcote Contact: www.hamilton.ca/museums
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 Active Kids Zone March Break Camp Sponsored Listing March Break Camp will be action packed each day with tons of sports and games, crafts and ceramics, cooking and karaoke, time in our amazing Fun Zone and even a few half day field trips! A lunch option, extended hours and daily or weekly registration is available. Contact: 416-650-5060 or register online at www.activekidszone.com. Â
 The Clay Room: March Break Masterpieces Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends.  WALK INS WELCOME.   March Break Camp (15th-19th; week long, full or half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Contact: 416-466-8474, contact@theclayroom.ca or www.theclayroom.ca.Â
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Wizard World Sponsored Listing Toronto’s favorite family March Break destination. Thrilling stage shows, petting zoo, crafts, rides and inflatable bounce zone will keep kids 2 - 12 running, bouncing, laughing and playing for hours! Admission only $8.50+gst. Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, March 14 - 21 10am - 5pm. Free lootbags. Contact: 416.585.WAND (9263), info@wizardworld.ca, www.wizardworld.ca.
 March Break at Toronto’s Historic Sites Sponsored Listing Toronto’s Historic Sites present several great pre-registered day camps as well as family drop-ins for young people to enjoy during March Break. Have a blast exploring life in the city over a hundred years ago! Hands-on fun, cooking, dress up, crafts, making toys, and more! Contact: www.toronto.ca/camps or call 311.
 March Break at the CN Tower Sponsored Listing Special Admission - March 13-21, 2010 Total Tower Ticket for only $25 (including taxes) - save 30%.
Explore the CN Tower: world’s #1 elevator ride, three observation levels, famous Glass Floor, Himalamazon ride, movie, March Break week activities - Nickelodeon character visits with Doraâ„¢ , SpongeBobâ„¢, Battle Strikers, and more. Contact: 416-868-6937 or www.cntower.ca.Â
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