Victoria Youth Custody Services – Victoria, BC

Victoria Youth Custody Services Overview

Victoria Youth Custody Services (VYCS) is a specialized secure facility located at 1119 Pembroke Street, on the edge of the Fernwood and North Park neighbourhoods. While historically referred to as the Victoria Youth Custody Centre, this facility operates under the direction of BC Corrections and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. It serves as a detention centre for youth (aged 12-17) who have been remanded in custody awaiting trial or who are serving custodial sentences. The building is distinct from the main Victoria Law Courts on Burdett Avenue; however, it is a critical component of the youth justice infrastructure in the Capital Region, ensuring the safe and secure containment of young offenders while providing rehabilitative programming.

Health and Intake Services

The facility is also a hub for specialized intake services for vulnerable populations.

CARES Intake: The site houses the Centralized Access and Rapid Engagement Service (CARES) for mental health and substance use. This is a primary access point for individuals in Greater Victoria seeking help for addiction or mental health crises. While the custody centre is secure, the intake clinic provides a crucial community service interface at this location.

Youth Programming: For youth in custody, the centre focuses on rehabilitation rather than simple incarceration. Programs include educational services, anger management counselling, and Indigenous cultural support to address the root causes of offending behaviour.

Security and Access

As a correctional facility, 1119 Pembroke is a high-security environment.

Restricted Access: The general public cannot enter the secure zones of the facility. Visits to youth in custody are strictly controlled and must be pre-approved. Visitors are subject to rigorous security screening, including metal detectors and searches. All personal belongings, including cell phones and keys, must be stored in lockers outside the secure area.

Professional Visits: Lawyers, probation officers, and social workers have specific protocols for accessing clients within the centre to ensure legal rights are protected while maintaining facility safety.