Children encounter the justice system as victims, witnesses, because they are in conflict with the law or as parties to a justice process, such as in custody arrangements.

While detention should be used as a last resort and for the shortest period of time.

Many justice systems do not have child-sensitive procedures due to lack of resources or political will and those services for a child’s development may not be available to promote the child’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Justice for children is designed for the benefit of all children in contact with the justice system to ensure that the children are better served and protected.

Manual for the Measurement of juvenile justice indicators