NCJ Number
93562
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The Dutch juvenile justice system is essentially a welfare model, with attention given to the social and psychological needs of the child irrespective of the offense committed.
Abstract
Part of a more encompassing childcare and protection system, the juvenile justice system is interwoven with a more general system of services (both ambulatory and residential) offered to Dutch children. The police have great discretionary powers; although not stipulated in Dutch criminal law, police dismissal policy has become institutionalized. Generally, the juvenile judge will impose the least serious disposition -- the supervision order -- under which the child and child's family receive assistance and guidance. Changes that have modified the system within the last 20 years have resulted in a reduction in the percentage of youth formally processed and in those institutionalized, along with an increased use of diversion. Factors expected to characterize the Dutch juvenile justice system in the next 10-20 years are (1) a return to the justice model at the expense of the welfare model, (2) a continuing reduction of institutional placements, (3) the use of intervention in more controlled settings within the community, (4) the development of sanctions with a more educative character, and (5) more experimentation. One figure and 27 references are supplied.