4 Procedure for protective measures

(1) Probation based on a decision of a family court

A juvenile placed under probation based on a decision of a family court receives instruction and supervision, guidance and assistance necessary for improvement and rehabilitation from a probation officer or a volunteer probation officer.

The probation period, in principle, continues until a juvenile turns 20 years of age, or for two years if he/she turns 20 within two years, or until he/she is discharged from the probation. On the other hand, a family court shall subject specified juveniles to protective measures including 6-month probation or 2-year probation under the amended Juvenile Act.

(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 established in accordance with the Child Welfare Act, which are open to children in need of aid.

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

A juvenile training school mainly holds juveniles referred by family courts and provides them with correctional education, support for reintegration into society and other treatment, for the purpose of fostering sound cultivation of juveniles.

A period of commitment to a juvenile training school can, in principle, last until a juvenile turns 20 years of age, but in certain cases, his/her commitment may be extended on the basis of a decision of a family court until he/she turns 23 or 26 years of age. A period of commitment to a juvenile training school for specified juveniles is three years or less.

On the other hand, a juvenile in a juvenile training school may be released on parole before completion of his/her period of commitment on the basis of a decision of a regional parole board. When released on parole, a juvenile is placed under parole supervision.