Youth in Segregation – Own Motion Investigation
Incarcerated individuals in Alberta have a right to get in contact with the Alberta Ombudsman when they believe they are the subject of unfair treatment. Following a complaint from an incarcerated individual, we launched an own motion investigation into the use of segregation in Alberta’s two young offender centres.
This own motion investigation focused on the centres’ adherence to legislation and policy in the enforcement of a young person’s placement in segregation. We investigated the adequacy of the appeal and review process related to that enforcement and the young person’s access to representation during an appeal and review process of their placement in segregation.
We concluded the investigation with four key findings and eight recommendations for improvements to ensure correctional authorities address systemic issues arising from the use of segregation.