Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab

Building stronger, more equitable approaches to supporting Black youth in the justice system.

The Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab is an ACPNet initiative focused on strengthening anti-racist, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices to youth Justice for Black youth aged 12-17 in British Columbia.

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Share Your Perpective

We want to hear from Black youth, professionals, community members, and others who have experiences, knowledge, or perspectives related to Black youth, justice, services, and community support. This survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.

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What We Aim to Do

The Training Lab aims to strengthen how Black Youth are understood and supported within the youth justice system by building professional knowledge, promoting culturally responsive approaches, and increasing awareness of diversion and community-based options.

What We Focus On

Anti-Racist Practice

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Culturally Responsive Practice

Community-Based & Diversion Options

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Who Benefits

  • Culturally Responsive

    Programming reflects the lived realities, languages, histories, and strengths of African, Caribbean, and Black communities. No generic templates.

  • Trauma-Informed

    We understand that encounters with hate cause real harm. Every touchpoint is designed to minimize re-traumatization and center healing.

  • Digitally Focused

    Hate crimes are increasingly happening online. We equip communities with digital safety skills alongside community-based supports.

  • Evidence-Driven

    Every program element is grounded in current data, research, and community insight. We track what works.

What We Do

  • Listen and Learn

    Engage Black youth, justice professionals, and community members through interviews and focus group discussions to understand experiences, perspectives, and needs.

  • Train and Equip

    Provide learning opportunities for justice and service professionals to strengthen anti-racist, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice.

  • Connect and Collaborate

    Bring together professionals and community partners to strengthen awareness of community-based supports and approaches for Black youth.

  • Learn and Improve

    Gather feedback from youth and professionals to help strengthen the Training Lab and its learning resources.

Who We Work With

The Training Lab brings together professionals across the youth justice and community sectors, including police, probation officers, Crown counsel, defence lawyers, court professionals, and community service providers.

The development of the Training Lab is also informed by Black youth, community members, and an advisory committee, ensuring that community perspectives help shape the work

Why It Matters

Black youth can experience systemic barriers and inequities within the justice system. The Training Lab seeks to support more equitable, informed, and responsive practices that recognize the experiences and needs of Black youth.

Training & Resources
Training opportunities and practical resources will be made available to justice and service professionals throughout the project.

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