PARALLEL PANEL 2: “JUVENILE JUSTICE: DESIGNING NEW FUTURES”

ABSTRACT

Within the context of specialist judicial action in the area of young offenders, a fundamental role falls upon the institutions and organisations of civil society. Actions for young offenders require the creation of a community support framework which facilitates reintegration into society through organisations in both the public and private sector. Within the context of inter-institutional cooperation, joint projects for rehabilitation are undertaken in order to facilitate the social integration of young offenders.

The effectiveness of action carried out in cooperation with civil society depends on the level of involvement of both parties and on the degree of sustainability of projects after they have come to an end, thus diversifying the range of activities/development and contacts. In order to ensure the visibility and continuity of actions carried out, we need the media to be constantly promoting the actions carried out with the support of social partners.

These arguments are based on the premise that the best place for young people and minors who have committed offences is not in custody in an institution but in an environment which encourages the development of their personality and social skills. Given that they are victims with educational and emotional shortcomings, caused by negligence and a lack of engagement from their family and society, imprisonment may indeed not be a practical or suitable solution for “correcting their behaviour”.

Lack of personality, outside influences, lack of consistency and the absence of stable role models within the context of a variety of different individuals and situations young offenders may have to face through their lives, are but some of the many factors which lead to educational and psychosocial assistance being needed in the case of young offenders. For such assistance, action tailored to each individual is recommended.

Within the context of this debate, the focus on disseminating good practices amongst probationary services and relevant institutions aims at the reintegration into society of minors and young people who have committed offences, placing particular emphasis on the possibility of introducing some of the most successful models.

SPEAKERS

Mr. Marcelo Aebi
Institute Of Criminology Lausanne
Mrs. Violeta Stefania Rotarescu
Bucharest University
Mr. Neven Ricijaš
University of Zagreb
Mrs. Regina Otaola
Agency of the Community of Madrid for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Young Offenders

GUIDING QUESTIONS FROM THE PANEL

  • What are the needs of young offenders in terms of age and physiological behaviour?

  • What are the most effective measures for reintegrating minors/young people back into society?

  • How can society contribute to reintegrating young offenders back into society?

  • What are the points to be debated in terms of retributive vs. restorative justice?

  • Describe a model of good practices regarding the treatment of young offenders

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