Responses to Serious Offending by Children: Principles, Practice and Global Perspectives

This book explores the principles, practices, and challenges in determining justice system responses to serious offending by children globally, based on a theoretical framework of human rights. It provides a balance of theoretical and empirical insights from experts across different disciplines and regions, highlighting the diversity of responses to children who are found responsible for serious offenses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the principles, practices, and complexities involved in determining justice system responses to serious offending by children on a global scale. Divided into four insightful parts, it offers a balanced blend of theoretical and empirical insights. Anchored in a theoretical framework rooted in the human rights of children, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the book explores the intricate relationship between scientific evidence, such as brain development, and the human rights framework. It then examines the diverse range of responses to children who are found responsible for serious offenses, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the unique circumstances and needs of each child.

To address this gap in the literature, the book brings together a diverse group of experts from various disciplines, spanning Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. These scholars offer perspectives from legally, socially, and culturally distinct jurisdictions, contributing to a rich and multifaceted understanding of the issue.

The first part of the book focuses on the theoretical framework, providing a comprehensive exploration of the applicable standards, principles, and human rights framework related to sentencing children for serious crimes. It delves into the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of children's rights, emphasizing the importance of a child-centered approach that considers their unique developmental needs and circumstances.

The second part of the book analyzes available empirical evidence, encompassing a wide range of topics such as the profiles of children who commit serious crimes, child and adolescent development, effective sentencing approaches, and evidence of disparities in responses to serious offending by children. This evidence-based approach sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by justice systems in addressing this issue, highlighting the need for tailored and evidence-informed responses.

The third part of the book takes a deeper dive into justice system responses to serious offending by children in diverse and distinct legal, social, and cultural contexts. It explores case studies of jurisdictions. These case studies provide valuable insights into the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from jurisdictions. They showcase innovative approaches, best practices, and strategies employed by jurisdictions worldwide to address serious offending by children, promoting a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to justice.

In the final part of the book, the authors use the theoretical framework, empirical evidence, and case studies to reflect on how principles relating to responses to serious offending by children can be translated into practical and effective practices. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, cooperation, and a multidisciplinary approach in developing and implementing policies and programs that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of children who are involved in the justice system.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and advocates working in the field of justice and child welfare. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the principles, practices, and challenges involved in determining justice system responses to serious offending by children globally. By highlighting the importance of a child-centered approach, evidence-based practices, and a multidisciplinary perspective, it offers valuable insights and practical strategies for addressing this complex issue and promoting the rights and well-being of children involved in the justice system.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032107714