Section 3 Juvenile Classification Homes

1 Overview of Juvenile Classification Homes Act

Previously, there was no independent law concerning operation and management of the juvenile classification home or treatments of juvenile inmates thereof, except for a few provisions in former Juvenile Training Schools Act. In June 2014, Juvenile Classification Homes Act (Act No.59 of 2014) was enacted, and the above matters have been conducted under this new law since then. The Act stipulates three duties of juvenile classification homes: (i) to conduct assessment of juveniles based on professional knowledge and skills, (ii) to conduct observation and protection of juvenile committed to the homes for their sound development, and (iii) to provide support within the local community to prevent juvenile delinquency and crime. Also, in order for the homes to appropriately treat juveniles, the Act has clarified the rights and obligations of juveniles and the authorities of the officials, and introduced complaints mechanisms such as filing a request for relief to the Minister of Justice. The Act also aims to promote facility management that is open to society by establishing a visiting committee consisting of outside members corresponding to each juvenile classification home (The Act entered into force on June 1, 2015 except those provisions referring to on-site facility audit and filing of complaints against auditors which entered into force on July 1, 2015).