IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE OUTCOMES
In a world where every young life deserves an opportunity for redemption and growth, we strive to create a system that prioritizes healing, responsibility, and community participation. Join us in exploring innovative approaches that address the consequences of juvenile crime and aim to restore harmony, foster personal development and build stronger and resilient communities.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Restorative justice offers an alternative approach to "justice" compared to ordinary criminal justice. Instead of punishing the offender, it focuses on "repairing" or "restoring" the damage caused by the crime. A key component of restorative justice is to understand and address the needs of all stakeholders, including the wider community, working together to create a just and equitable outcome for all involved.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Juvenile justice is a legal system specifically adapted to deal with crimes committed by persons under the age of 18. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, its fundamental principles revolve around rehabilitation and intervention, rather than just punishing the offender. Key elements of juvenile justice include alternative penalties, educational programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering personal development. The ultimate goal of juvenile justice is to hold young people accountable for their actions and to provide them with the support and tools necessary to successfully reintegrate into society.
HONDURAS
UNIDOS
In partnership with USAID, NCSC implemented the United for Justice initiative that supported the Honduran government to promote access to justice, defend human rights and reduce violence. The initiative, in collaboration with government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, conducted an evaluation of the Honduran juvenile justice system, focusing on the Special Justice System for Children in Conflict with the Law (SEJNCL). The results obtained from this analysis revealed the weak response of the system to protect children and adolescents from abuse. The Public Prosecutor's Office, acting as the accusing body, is criticized for its insensitivity and limited knowledge of juvenile offenders. This leads the system to blame juvenile offenders without addressing the underlying problems of neglect and structural violence, holding the state accountable for systemic failures.
In Costa Rica, NCSC collaborated with the federal judiciary to establish and apply various protocols and guidelines that worked to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of restorative and juvenile justice.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROJECT
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The Protocol on Juvenile Justice
The Youth Justice Protocol advocates for a restorative approach to police interactions with juveniles. It outlines the steps for prompt police involvement in the referral of cases to the juvenile criminal prosecutor's office, offering a more efficient and humane alternative through Restorative Juvenile Justice in contrast to the ordinary judicial process.
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The Protocol on Social and Labor Inclusion
The Protocol on Social and Labor Inclusion for Restorative Juvenile Justice is a practical guide that focuses on actions for the social and labor integration of juvenile offenders, offering guidelines for the creation of restorative agreements that strengthen the educational and employment profile of offenders.
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The Protocol on Drug Treatment
The Juvenile Judicial Supervision Drug Treatment Protocol implements a restorative model for drug-related issues. Using the guidance of the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD), this protocol was developed under the direction of the Magistrate of the Criminal Cassation Chamber and Rector of Restorative Justice of the Judiciary to provide a comprehensive approach to juvenile drug cases.
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OTROS RECURSOS
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MEDIDAS FUNDAMENTALES PARA LA JUSTICIA JUVENIL
Para saber más sobre las medidas fundamentales necesarias para mejorar los sistemas de justicia de menores y la recopilación de datos, visite:
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INFORME UNIDOS
Para obtener más información sobre nuestro proyecto UNIDOS y el análisis del sistema que se llevó a cabo en Honduras, haga clic aquí:
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PARTES DEL PROCESO JUVENIL RESTAURATIVO
Desplegable del proyecto de cooperación sobre justicia juvenil restaurativa.
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TRATAMIENTO DE DROGAS BAJO SUPERVISIÓN JUDICIAL PENAL JUVENIL
Desplegable del proyecto de cooperación sobre justicia juvenil restaurativa.
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REDES DE APOYO DE JUSTICIA JUVENIL RESTAURATIVA
Desplegable del proyecto sobre justicia juvenil restaurativa.