Launching an operational manual for handling juveniles
12-21-2020
Launching an operational manual for handling juveniles
Dec. 21 (Petra) - In cooperation with UNICEF, NCFA launched today, an operational manual for workers who deal with juveniles.
The manual aims to promote the establishment of juvenile justice in accordance with international standards, and the principles of human rights and respect for human dignity. It also seeks to institutionalize the procedures contained in juvenile-related legislation in a practical and applicable manner, define the appropriate mechanism for implementing the procedures by the institutions working with juveniles as per their respective jurisdictions and ensure optimal coordination and integration of roles.
Attending on behalf of the Minister of Social Development, Barq Al-Dmour, the Secretary-General of the Ministry explained that the Ministry, NCFA, and partners from civil society institutions and international organizations pay great attention to the protection of juveniles and children from the dangers of crime and delinquency.
He called for concerted efforts to establish a clear balance between the various care programs and activities provided to them, indicating that the main goal of juvenile care institutions is to be reform-based institutions that renounce punishment as a basis for remedying juvenile delinquents, and would rather focus on encouraging positive behavioural changes and social adaptation and reintegration into society in partnership with various institutions working with juveniles. Highlighting the importance of continuing to follow a restorative justice approach in these institutions, Al-Dmour added that their aim is also to sensitize citizens to the role of family care and monitoring over children to keep them safe from delinquency and corruption, and to integrate alternative punishment as a tool of reform into the framework of juvenile protection.
NCFA Secretary-General Dr. Muhammad Miqdadi said that the manual aims to provide those working with juveniles with a reference tool and methodology that is applicable in the field with standardized procedures that are in line with international standards and charters, national legislation and best practices.
The manual was developed through participatory approach, benefiting from the expertise of workers in the field and building on previous relevant experiences, in addition to drawing on SOPs preparation guidelines for best practices and taking into account all phases, procedures and institutional roles of those working with juveniles as set forth in the Juvenile Law No. 32 of 2014 and the regulations and guidelines issued thereunder, added Miqdadi, noting that the manual will be an assistive tool complementing the other procedural guides dedicated for those working on juvenile cases.
UNICEF Child Protection Program Director Maryam Play Silvam said that the UNICEF is keen to support national partners to promote and establish a child-friendly justice system, noting that this manual is an instrument that provides child-friendly guidance and is supportive to individuals working with juveniles within the justice system, relying on international best practices in a context that is harmonious with the Jordanian environment.
Silvam stressed that UNICEF will continue to work closely with the government and the international community to give child offenders a second chance to reclaim their lives and become productive citizens in the future.
During the launch ceremony attended by members of the Steering and Technical Committee for Juvenile Justice and representatives of relevant civil society institutions, several points were raised on the impact of implementing the manual on the work of the Ministry of Social Development, juvenile courts and the Public Security Directorate.
