Juvenile Justice Model

Over the last couple of decades, many countries have developed their youth justice policies and practices. A major influence factor has been the introduction of guidelines by the United Nations. The UN’s 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child has influenced youth justice system in many countries, including the principles underlying each justice system. In this paper, I will be discussing two countries, Canada’s and Scotland’s compliance with the UN Conventions principles that they have implemented since the 1990s. Understanding, that the Canadian approach is punitive, I will reveal my recommendations on how to change the approach into a welfare model based on the ideas and principles of Scotland’s Hearing System and the Wrap-Around Model. A welfare-based model will succeed in complying with the UN Conventions because it follows the best interest …show more content…
They adopt a punitive approach to criminal behavior, rather than one concentrated on how to prevent criminal behavior, or rehabilitate those who do offend. As most offenders will return to their communities, I know that prevention and rehabilitation are most likely to contribute to public safety. While Canada has been focusing on a more punitive approach for a juvenile justice system, Scotland has been using their welfare approach. Scotland’s system is based off of the needs of children and that children who offend are children who are in need of care. Scotland’s care and juvenile justice system has been working for many years and has managed to hold its core principles as set out in the 1964 Kilbrandon Report. Engaging with the welfare approach and the Wrap-Around Model, Canada would produce far better results in youth crime, as evidenced by the Scotland’s Hearing System. The true vision of a better community will not be realized until Canada is redirected and begins to draw far more on the strengths and success on a welfare-based