YRAP can receive its cases from a variety of sources at different stages of the criminal justice process. This allows youth involved with crime to come to YRAP by a number of pathways. First of all, cases can be referred directly from police officers, prior to the courts becoming involved. Files can also be referred from the courts, by judges and crown prosecutors when the case first comes to court. At this point if the referral is accepted, a conference with YRAP, is ordered.
If a referral is accepted, a conference is ordered. These conferences can occur for a number of reasons including: sentencing, EJS, mediation, sentence review, or reintegration/treatment plans. Present at the conference are, the offender, the victim, if they wish to participate, 3-5 panel members (YRAP youth), an adult advisor, and any other parties ordered or asked to participate (including: parents, police officers, psychologists etc.). All participants take part, in a round table discussion, mediated by the YRAP members, to discuss the background of the offender, the offence and the circumstances surrounding it, as well as, the harm caused, strategies for dealing with future incidents, and, finally the resolution. While YRAP members direct the panels, input is encouraged from all involved, in order to create the clearest possible picture of the incident, so that the outcome will be both comprehensive and effective.
Once the offence had been discussed to the satisfaction of the panel, all participants begin the process of forming the resolution. This is generally a list of consequences assigned to address the harm involved with an offence. When designing these resolutions YRAP tries to take into account the interests and abilities of the accused, the issues which may have factored in to the offence, the offence itself, as well as, the requests of the victim and suggestions of the offender. In this way YRAP develops creative, effective solutions to repair the harm and create a mutually beneficial experience for the offender, victim, and community. These resolutions are tailored specifically to the offender and the crime, and can include any number of measures and resources. In generating these resolutions YRAP has many community resources at its disposal, allowing the panel to find a fitting consequence for each unique case. The primary concern is that the youth is held accountable for their actions in a way that is educational and rehabilitative, rather than simply punitive. Some of the tools available for these resolutions are: community service hours, counselling, probation, custody, and other tools.
The resolutions are meant to help educate the youth and the community as to the issues involved and prevent future incidents. Furthermore, YRAP aims to reintegrate the youth as positive members of their community. While they are often extremely unconventional, the panels try to generate challenging resolutions, which will require a commitment on the part of the offender, and ultimately provide benefits to them, as well as, the community.
After the conference stage of the process is complete and an agreement has been reached on a resolution, YRAP works with the youth involved to complete the terms. This can include setting up the appropriate counselling, helping to find community service placements, suggesting resources for projects, and other general support items. In this way YRAP aims to maximize the prospects of a successfully completed contract. However, a YRAP mentor acts only as a facilitator, it is the responsibility of the youth to take advantage of opportunities provided, and make a committed effort to fulfill their obligations.