3 Procedure for protective measures

(1) Probation based on the decision of family courts

A juvenile placed under probation based on the decision of a family court receives instruction, supervision, guidance and assistance necessary for reformation/rehabilitation from a probation officer or volunteer probation officer, in principle until turning 20 years of age or being discharged from the probation (See Section 5 of this Chapter for an overview of the probation process).

(2) Referral to children’s self-reliance support facilities or foster homes

Juveniles committed to children’s self-reliance support facilities/foster homes are accommodated in these facilities/homes, which are open facilities for children requiring aid and are established in accordance with the Child Welfare Act.

(3) Referral to juvenile training schools and parole supervision after release on parole

A juvenile training school mainly accommodates juveniles referred by family courts and provides them with correctional education, support for reintegration into society and other treatment.

The period of commitment to a juvenile training school can, in principle, last until the juvenile turns 20 years of age, but the superintendent of the juvenile training school may extend it for a period not exceeding one year from the date of the referral. A juvenile in a juvenile training school is to be released upon completion of his/her period of commitment but in certain cases, his/her commitment may be extended based on the decision of a family court until he/she turns 23 or 26 years of age.

Conversely, a juvenile in a juvenile training school may be released on parole before the completion of his/her period of commitment based on the decision made by the Regional Parole Board. If released on parole, the juvenile is placed under parole supervision after his/her release until his/her period of commitment is complete or until his/her discharge is granted by the Board.