Beyond Correctional Measures: Exploring Alternative Rehabilitation Models For Juvenile Offenders In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Nov 10
- 1 min read
Utkarsh Pandey & Dr. Mahendra Kumar Baishya
ABSTRACT
The Indian juvenile justice system has historically interchanged between a justice-oriented and welfare-centric approach. The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 establishes the current legal framework for India's juvenile justice system, it holds a significant progress towards child- friendly jurisprudence has been made by this legislation. However, the institutionalisation of Observation Homes and Special Homes is a major bias in this legislation's operational reality. The author of this paper argues that the current correctional model, which places a lot of emphasis on standardised reform, is unable to meet the diverse socio-psychological requirements of young offenders. Additionally, it has not proven successful in ending the cycle of recidivism. The essay explores the theoretical and practical implementation of restorative justice procedures, such as family group conferences and victim-offender mediation. Healing and restitution are given top priority in these traditions. The author has attempted to evaluate the efficacy of the rehabilitation strategies currently used in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, an effort has been made to examine present rehabilitation methods through the lens of facilitating comprehensive youth recovery.
Keywords: Juvenile offenders, juvenile justice system, Juvenile Justice Act, recidivism, rehabilitation.
