Justice systems that work for young people.
We work alongside courts, lawyers, policymakers and communities to build youth justice systems rooted in accountability and healing.
Where we focus
Systems navigation
We help young people and their families understand court processes and move through the justice system with clarity.
Policy and justice reform
We use research and program insight to shape how youth justice systems operate across Canada.
Public legal education
Workshops for schools, colleges and universities, workplaces, community organizations, families and young people on the law and their rights within the justice system. Contact us to request a session for your class or team.
Training for legal professionals
Restorative practice training for lawyers that counts toward Law Society of Ontario professional development hours.
42 recommendations. One lab to put them into practice.
Our Building a Better Youth Court report, funded by the Laidlaw Foundation, set out 42 recommendations for removing barriers to justice for young people. Peacebuilders founded the Youth Justice Transformation Lab to put them into practice.
The Lab brings together community organizations, young people with lived experience of the justice system, justice professionals and grassroots advocates to tackle the barriers Black and racialized youth face in Toronto's justice system.
Youth Justice Forum 2026
Thursday, November 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hart House, University of Toronto.
Get ticketsRead the report (PDF) ›Better options for young adults, 18 to 25.
The Adolescent Transformative Justice Project is building a model for young adults involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the criminal justice system. It focuses on stronger diversion options and culturally responsive community supports.
Article with us.
Our articling students train as Circle Keepers, lead Peacebuilding Circles, support our advocacy and public legal education work, and assist our Youth Justice Lawyer with in-house legal matters.
See articling roles ›Work with us on lasting change.
For anyone working to change youth justice, the Lab can be your home for that change. We don't provide legal advice, but we'll help families find qualified representation.