The Juvenile Justice System in India plays a crucial role in safeguarding minors who encounter the law. Introduced to prevent juvenile delinquency and support rehabilitation, it operates under the principle of "Old enough to do the crime, old enough to do the time," similar to concepts in some US states. Established in 2015, this system, also known as the Child Welfare Committee, aims to protect children's rights and foster positive development among those under 18.
In legal terms, a child and a juvenile are distinct. When a child commits or is accused of a crime, they are handled through the Child Care Centre system. A juvenile, typically aged between 16 to 18 (16 for girls and 18 for boys), faces the Juvenile Justice System. Immediate care and protection by the Child Welfare Committee are mandated within 24 hours of a juvenile being accused or assaulted. Failure to report a missing child to the Committee is considered a punishable offense. The primary objective of the Juvenile Justice System is to shield minors from further harm, offering them support to develop skills necessary for a better future.
Minors who commit offenses are not incarcerated in regular jails due to concerns about their mental well-being. Instead, they receive education and rehabilitation within juvenile detention facilities. This approach aims to prepare them for reintegration into society upon release, minimizing the long-term impact of their offenses.
Several factors contribute to juvenile delinquency, including family structure issues like joint families or single parenting, sibling rivalries, and societal influences. These issues can manifest in behaviors categorized by their degree, frequency, and seriousness, often involving substance abuse, gang activities, or sexual misconduct. Lack of education and poor upbringing are significant contributors, impairing minors' ability to distinguish right from wrong and leading them towards delinquent behaviors.
Adolescent instability is common, marked by heightened emotional and social vulnerability. Family disintegration, migration-related stressors, and indulgence in risky behaviors exacerbate these challenges. Minors may struggle with identity formation and decision-making, often seeking guidance from peers rather than adults.
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