Currently, our criminal justice system is based largely on the punitive approach. For children caught in the system, this approach fails to deter them from a life of crime. There aren’t many options available in the justice system for children to put their lives back on track.
In fact, our existing systems treat all children the same whether they are violent offenders, abused children, neglected children, poor children or unhappy children. Since our systems are not set up to address the reasons why children are coming to court, children often reappear in court, some having committed more serious crimes.
The JCP aims to contribute to the successful implementation of the package of Children’s legislation by ensuring that the Judiciary is fully prepared to use its powers provided to encourage the implementation of rehabilitative and restorative approaches for children in conflict with the law.
Learn more about The Trinidad and Tobago Juvenile Court Project.