МОГУЋНОСТ УНАПРЕЂЕЊА ТРЕТМАНА МЛАДИХ У СУКОБУ СА ЗАКОНОМ
THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPROVING THE TREATMENT OF YOUTH IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW

Summary/Abstract: Contemporary approaches in the treatment of children and youth with behavioral problems and disorders, especially those who come into conflict with the law, emphasize the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of the child, the principles of positive development, and inclusive treatment within the natural family and social environment. With the onset of European integration and democratization processes, the Republic of Serbia has initiated a series of changes aimed at establishing child-friendly justice. This involves measures and activities directed towards the child, adapted to the family, well integrated into the local community, ethically competent, multiculturally sensitive, and most importantly, based on evidence of effectiveness. However, despite the overall improvement in the status and treatment of children in conflict with the law brought by these reforms, two particularly vulnerable groups of children were overlooked from the outset: children below the age of criminal responsibility (under 14 years of age) and children who commit criminal offenses with multiple mental health issues (combined difficulties and disorders). Given that the developmental needs and potentials of both groups of children were unrecognized, these children were left without support, and society without an adequate response, this paper aims to highlight the necessity of amending and supplementing the Law on Juvenile Offenders and Criminal Protection of Juveniles(2005), as well as the introduction of legally mandated services. This primarily refers to the establishment of a special institution for treatment and rehabilitation, i.e., a socio-health type institution, as well as the development and enhancement of day-care centers for children and youth with behavioral problems and disorders.

• Details
• Contents