Other topics
Juvenile Offenders
Over the last ten years approximately, the question of how to respond appropriately to the offending of young adults has emerged as a point of increased focus within international criminological research and criminal policy. Responding to juvenile offending is a unique policy and practice challenge.
While a substantial proportion of crime is perpetuated by juveniles, most juveniles will ‘grow out’ of offending and adopt law-abiding lifestyles as they mature. It is argued that a range of factors, including juveniles’ lack of maturity, propensity to take risks and susceptibility to peer influence, as well as intellectual disability, mental illness and victimisation, increase juveniles’ risks of contact with the criminal justice system. These factors, combined with juveniles’ unique capacity to be rehabilitated, can require intensive and often expensive interventions by the juvenile justice system.
Research & Policy
Council of Europe
Official Council of Europe text: CM/Rec(2008)11 – European Rules for Juvenile Offenders Subject to Sanctions or Measures
European Rules for Juvenile Offenders Subject to Sanctions or Measures (CM/Rec(2008)11)
European Rules for Juvenile Offenders Subject to Sanctions or Measures (with commentary)
European Rules for Juvenile Offenders Subject to Sanctions or Measures (CM/Rec(2008)11)
Recommendation Rec(2003)20 on New Ways of Dealing with Juvenile Delinquency and the Role of Juvenile Justice
This recommendation strongly promotes diversion, restorative justice and community-based interventions instead of institutional responses whenever possible.
Council of Europe Guidelines on Child-Friendly Justice (2010)
Probably the most influential European document on children's rights in justice systems. It emphasises participation, dignity, reintegration and child-centred approaches.
Council of Europe Probation Rules (CM/Rec(2010)1)
Not exclusively focused on juveniles, but extremely relevant when discussing the role of probation as a rehabilitative and rights-based intervention.
European Union
EU Directive 2016/800 on Procedural Safeguards for Children
Articles
Terre des hommes supports countries in Europe to build child-friendly justice
Terre des hommes: Global Declaration on Advancing Child-Centred Justice (2025)
The key EU legal instrument protecting children involved in criminal proceedings. It reinforces the principle that detention should be a measure of last resort.
Research showing why probation and community sanctions are preferable Frieder Dünkel – Community Sanctions in Europe
One of the most cited European studies on juvenile justice. His work demonstrates that community sanctions are more consistent with rehabilitation, social integration and children's rights than custodial measures.
Youth justice: European and international developments and (good) practices
Frieder Duenkel University of Greifswald
Juvenile Justice and Human Rights: European Perspectives
Frieder Duenkel University of Greifswald
Brain Development, the Prefrontal Cortex and Implications for Juvenile Probation
Arain et al. (2013), "Maturation of the Adolescent Brain"
Adolescent Maturity and the Brain
Johnson, Blum & Giedd (2009),
Reports
Past Events
Stay informed about our upcoming events and opportunities for professional development. Join us at workshops and conferences to connect with experts and peers in the field of probation.
CEP and Europris workshop on Juveniles and Young Adults in Prison and Probation
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.