Promoting Positive Juvenile Justice System in Serbia

ended

Children offenders in institutions are amongst the most vulnerable people in society. More often than not they come from marginalised and vulnerable segments of the population and are exposed to a range of deprivations such as risk of abuse and neglect, extreme poverty, mental health issues etc. This is a very sensitive field where child rights violations are numerous, and where the response is not always child-friendly and does not always favour individual child development. The action “Promoting Positive Juvenile Justice System in Serbia” is submitted by the Republic Institute for Social Protection and Child Rights Centre with the main objective to contribute to the goal of improving respect and implementation of the rights of the child in the justice process through promoting positive juvenile justice approach in work with children in conflict with the law. This action focus is to ensure that social welfare and justice professionals act in the best interests of the child, respecting principles of non-discrimination and child participation. They should act in the spirit of positive juvenile justice that is based on multi-sectorial, individualised, holistic and systemic approach to a child, viewing the child as part of the system in which he/she belongs. The approach used is strength-based and resilience-oriented, based on a view that each child, even one with the most complex problems and disadvantages has potential to develop positively when connected to the right combination of opportunities, supports and relationships. Hence, the action will develop and implement tailor made evidence-based programmes of work with children and build capacities of professionals to provide better support to children in conflict with the law especially those who have committed serious criminal offences and are in need of additional support. The action will also improve the knowledge of children and their families about their rights and how to advocate for their implementation.