ngthy period of incarceration may result, as opposed to further attempts to rehabilitate. Therefore, the Young Offenders Act deals not only with the welfare of the child, but also, with the welfare of society.
             Thus, with the change in approach, from the old legislation to the new, it can be argued that it is now "easier" to imprison a young offender, and for longer periods of time. The Crown Prosecutor must only convince the trial judge that it would be in the best interests of society and that there is no other alternative way of dealing with the young offender. And, of course, a young offender is subject to longer periods of imprisonment if tried in adult court, as opposed to being tried in youth court.
             For children who are under the age of twelve years, an offense is dealt with under the provinces’ child welfare laws. Under the former Juvenile Delinquents Act, only children under seven were considered too young to be held criminally responsible for their actions.
             The Young Offenders Act does not apply to offenses involving provincial statutes, such as driving without a license, hunting out of season, drinking liquor while underage, and speeding.
             Not all young offenders who commit an offense wind up in court. If a young person has never before been in trouble with the law, a chance to participate in an Alternative Measures program may be considered, rather than a charge being laid and the young offender having to deal with it in court. The young person must accept responsibility for the offense that has been committed and be prepared to make up for the harm caused. As one example of an Alternative Measures program, a young offender might be required to attend an educational program to gain a better understanding of the wrong doing and how it has affected others. In the alternative, he/she might agree to perform community service. Frequently, as part of an Alternative Measures’ resolution, a young offende...