Gaining Respect: The Voices of Children in Conflict With the Law

• NCJ Number: 224924
• Author(s): Vicky Johnson; Robert Nurick
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 55 pages
• Sale Source: Save the Children UK
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This study sponsored by the International Save the Children Alliance solicited the opinions of groups of children who are at risk of, have been, or are currently in conflict with the law, so as to obtain their recommendations for improving justice systems and approaches to children who come into conflict with the law.

Abstract

The recommendations offered by the children are presented under the following areas: prevention, diversion, capacity-building and reform of the juvenile justice system, and reintegration and rehabilitation. Prevention recommendations pertain to working with children who are vulnerable and at risk for delinquent behavior; providing support and advice for those addicted to drugs; providing help with family problems and dysfunction, including violence; and ensuring the provision of community services for all, including children deprived of parental care. Other prevention recommendations pertain to improving schools, support for clubs and groups for children and youth, instruction about the consequences of breaking laws, and support for antiviolence campaigns and children’s rights. Regarding diversion, the children identified the need for less serious offenses to be handled more informally and locally through diversion and support services rather than processes that stigmatize them as criminals. Regarding capacity-building and reform of the juvenile justice system, they recommend that police be trained to communicate more effectively and sensitively to children and youth out of an awareness of the root causes of offending. They also recommend that children have opportunities for mediation and adult support that can help them communicate with key players in the justice system. Regarding reintegration and rehabilitation, the children recommend ways to help them regain respect within their communities by having opportunities for a second chance to provide contributions to the community and gain respect. The children’s recommendations were obtained from workshops held by Save the Children projects around the world. Appended summary of national legal contexts relating to children in conflict with the law