NCJ Number
200233
Date Published
October 2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This document discusses institutional treatment and management of organizations of juvenile offenders in Malaysia.
Abstract
In Malaysia, the treatment of juvenile offenders is placed under the preview of the Social Welfare Department because it considers that the delinquents are a symptom of maladjustment. A more humanistic approach is being used to deal with delinquent behavior. The system generally encourages treatment within the community. Institutional treatment is considered as a last resort. The institutional treatment consists of two modalities. One is a closed institution or advanced Approved School that is under the administration and management of the Prison Department. The other is an open institution or Approved School that is under the Department of Social Welfare. Juveniles that have committed more serious crimes or those that have not made good in other modalities are normally admitted to the advanced Approved School for treatment under more rigid security. The Sekolah Tunas Bakti (STB) is an Approved School for the detention and rehabilitation of juveniles that are involved in crime and those beyond parental control. In Malaysia, juvenile delinquency is closely associated with poor family attachment and failings. Delinquency violence is often linked to lack of parental supervision, parental rejection, lack of parental involvement, and poor disciplinary practices. The well being of the juvenile from early childhood and cultural background should be the focus of any preventive and treatment program. The development of residential care and control of juvenile offenders is closely linked to the available financial resources for management of these institutions. Besides the government agency, organizations such a non-government organizations, communal groups, and volunteers have a vital role in providing various forms of assistance. Appendix