Deadline: July 17, 2025
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award 2025 is now open for nominations. This prestigious national award celebrates innovative police-led initiatives in Canada that support youth involved in the justice system, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and community engagement—particularly for Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized young people.
Now in its 25th year, the award is a collaborative initiative by the Department of Justice Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and the Canadian Police Association (CPA). It highlights transformative, preventative policing practices that align with the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
About the Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award 2025
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award 2025 was created to honour police-led programs that look beyond traditional punitive measures to help youth in conflict with the law. Programs that emphasize mentorship, rehabilitation, early intervention, diversion, and community partnerships are especially encouraged.
Each year, the award goes to one outstanding initiative that demonstrates excellence in youth justice programming.
Award Benefits
- $10,000 funding in the name of the award recipient, directed to their police service or partner organization.
- Trophy and Certificate of Recognition for the winning team.
- Travel support to attend the award ceremony for one representative of the initiative.
- National exposure and inclusion in Justice Canada’s annual youth justice initiatives highlights.
Eligibility Criteria
The award is open to:
- Police services across Canada leading or partnering on youth justice programs.
- Programs that align with Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) principles.
- Programs serving Indigenous, Black, or otherwise marginalized youth.
- Initiatives that were active or launched between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
Nominations can come from:
- Police services,
- Community organizations,
- Government justice stakeholders, or
- Individuals (including self-nominations).
Note: All nominations must be endorsed by a Chief of Police, Director, or Commanding Officer.
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation and creativity in program delivery,
- Evidence of positive impact on youth,
- Strong collaboration with communities or partner agencies,
- Cultural competency and relevance for Indigenous and Black youth,
- Sustainability and potential for replication.
How to Apply
To nominate an initiative for the Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award 2025, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the nomination form.
👉 Apply Now - Include the following documentation:
- Signed nomination letter from a Chief of Police or equivalent;
- Description of the program and its impact;
- Supporting documents: newspaper articles, testimonials, photos, awards, etc.
- Submit the full application package by July 17, 2025.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: July 17, 2025
- Award Presentation: Announced at either the CACP Annual Conference or the CPA Biennial Convention (rotates annually)
Past Winners & Program Inspiration
Examples of past recipients include:
- BC’s Gang Intervention and Exiting Team – for reducing gang involvement among youth through mentorship and trauma-informed care.
- Edmonton’s DIVERSIONfirst Program – for redirecting at-risk youth away from the criminal justice system through early intervention.
These examples show how evidence-based and community-rooted strategies are reshaping youth justice outcomes in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award 2025 offers both recognition and financial support to police-led programs working hard to create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable young Canadians. Whether you’re involved in law enforcement or youth justice programming, this is an opportunity to celebrate impactful work and inspire national best practices.
Need Help With Your Application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review to boost your nomination’s chances of success.
