Juvenile justice: Social work and juvenile justice

Abstract

This chapter is divided into four sections. The first introduces the juvenile justice system and raises issues of law and practice for both social workers and young people. The juvenile justice system is defined, and the ongoing debate about the most appropriate mode of response to juvenile offending is analysed. The second section overviews the nature and extent of juvenile offending in Australia. Then follows a discussion of how children are treated in the juvenile justice system. The concluding section suggests an inclusive approach to youth justice practice, one which addresses the personal and social circumstances of juveniles and pays attention to the international obligations to protect children’s rights.