- Published: September 28, 2022
- Updated: September 28, 2022
- University / College: University of Victoria (UVic)
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 49
It is not a question on the kind of approach that is being used but it is a matter of how effective the approach is to address the problem of delinquency and how to rehabilitate juveniles involved in criminal activity. Singapore, a country with high regard to youths because of their beliefs that they are the key to a brighter future for themselves and for their respective families, have certain guidelines on how they can address juvenile delinquency problems.
Keywords: juvenile, delinquency
The Juvenile Justice Process 3
The Juvenile Justice Process
Courts of Singapore
Singapore culture in terms of raising a child observed strict standard which includes physical punishment on children who disobeys parents and are misbehaving. Due to fast technological advancements and modernization, modern parents of Singapore tend to become very busy with their respective jobs and children are more exposed to online media scenes, family bonding is limited, resulting to juvenile delinquency in Singapore.
The Courts of Singapore, however, address the issue of delinquency in Singapore by providing a process on how to deal with delinquent youths.
Case Flow of Juvenile Arrest Cases (JAC)
Courts of Singapore
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Discussion
In the process, the Courts of Singapore considers the following factors when making an order:
rehabilitation and reformation of the offender
removal of him/her from undesirable surroundings
promoting his/her education and welfare
compensation of victim(s) involved
protection of public
minimizing the risk of further offending by the offender
punishment of offender
The process of the case, if found guilty, includes:
Discharge of the offender
Commit the offender to the care of the relative or another fit person
Offenders Parent or Guardian to execute a bond to exercise proper care and guardianship
Community service order
Probation order
Detention at a place of detention
Weekend detention at a place of detention or approved institution
Approved school order
Reformative training center
Payment of a fine or damages or costs
In this process, the court finds that family conferencing is an effective tool to rehabilitate both
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the parents and the offender. But it was not clearly specified what type of programs (relocation if addressing the issue of home surroundings or formal education to parents in terms of family background) are to be dealt with to address the issue knowing the background and the root of the problem. If the factors to be rehabilitated are not clearly identified, the objective of the rehabilitation program will not be achieved by 100%.
Another process in JAC that should be taken into consideration is the “ Acquitting and Discharging” order after the trial of the claim. In this action, the court did not regard this decision accountable. A delinquent youth, once committed or suspected with criminal activity, even though the youth are being acquitted and discharged, should also be monitored accordingly.
Juvenile delinquency is a serious issue seeing that the youth are the ones who are involved. Each country should consider this matter with high regard but with great sensitivity as it pertains to young people who are coping and struggling to live’s pressures, challenges, and changes.
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References
Adams, J. (1980), Understanding Adolescence, Current Developments in Adolescence
Psychology, pg. 33 – 349.
Scarr, S., Weinberg, R., Levine, A. (1986), Understanding Development, pg. 427 – 592.
Juvenile Delinquency. www. un. org
Juvenile Justice division. www. subcourts. gov. sg
Singapore. www. everyculture. com