What is the purpose of the youth justice system?

The purpose of the youth justice system is primarily to prevent young people from offending. This approach recognizes that young individuals are still developing and are more amenable to change. The system is designed to divert minors from traditional criminal justice processes and instead offer interventions that address the root causes of their behavior. By focusing on prevention and rehabilitation rather than punishment, the youth justice system aims to reduce the likelihood of re-offending and support young people in making positive choices.

In contrast, options that suggest harsh punishment or the management of young offenders in prisons focus more on punitive measures, which are typically not aligned with the goals of the youth justice system. Similarly, rehabilitating adult offenders is not within the scope of the youth justice system and emphasizes a different demographic altogether. This distinction highlights the youth justice system’s unique focus on supporting and guiding young individuals toward better futures.