NCJ Number
242439
Date Published
August 2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This "Ten-Point Plan for Fair and Effective Criminal Justice for Children" focuses on ways that lawmakers, policymakers, and criminal justice practitioners can respond effectively and positively to juveniles in conflict with the law by focusing on prevention, diverting juveniles from the adult justice system, rehabilitation, and promoting sanctions that avoid imprisonment.
Abstract
The ten-point plan is as follows. First, develop and implement a crime prevention strategy for juveniles. Second, collect accurate evidence and data on the administration of criminal justice for juveniles, and use this to design policy reform. Third, increase the age of criminal responsibility. Fourth, establish a separate criminal justice system for juveniles and use trained staff. Fifth, abolish status offenses. Sixth, ensure that juveniles have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them. Seventh, invest in diverting juveniles from the formal justice system. Eighth, use detention as a last resort. Ninth, develop and implement reintegration and rehabilitation programs. Tenth, prohibit and prevent all forms of violence against juveniles in the course of their involvement in the justice system. Following each of the 10 points, its rationale and implementation are briefly discussed. 14 references