NCJ Number
91263
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses general trends in juvenile delinquency in Singapore, principal juvenile legislation, juvenile processing, and drug abuse problems and treatment.
Abstract
With the exception of drug offenses and vandalism, all other offenses committed by juveniles have increased for 1978-80 in Singapore. The number of juveniles arrested by the police has increased proportionately to the general crime figure. The philosophy underlying the Children and Young Person Act is that the juvenile offender is to be handled according to his/her developmental needs rather than punitively in accordance with offense severity. Proceedings are conducted informally. Under law, no juvenile can be sentenced or imprisoned in default of payment of a fine or costs, and only the High Court may order a juvenile to submit to corporal punishment. Dispositional options of the juvenile court include probation, detention not to exceed 6 months, and commitment to an approved school for not less than 3 nor more than 5 years. Before the enactment of the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1973, juveniles arrested for drug abuse were charged in court by the police or custom officers and dealt with under the Children and Young Persons Act; however, under the new drug legislation, the Director of the the Central Narcotics Bureau may reguire any person suspected to be a drug addict to be medically examined by a government medical officer. If drug treatment is indicated, the Director may make an order to that effect. The program of identifying and treating drug addicts has resulted in a drop in the recidivism rate for drug offenses. Tabular data are provided.