The Department of Juvenile Justice has launched a five day training programme for relevant agencies aimed at strengthening the juvenile justice system.
Juvenile Justice Social Service Coordinator Hawwa Zimna told PSM News that the training will be dedicated to the institutions enforcing the Juvenile Justice Act.
According to Zimna, the training will focus on familiarising participants on the Juvenile Justice Act and enhance stronger collaboration among relevant to further strengthen the system.
"The training is being conducted by staff from five institutions within the juvenile justice system. They have undergone special training from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,” Zimna explained.
The Department of Juvenile Justice, the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives Correctional Service, the Juvenile Court and the Prosecutor General's Office are represented in the five day training programme.
Since the inception of the Juvenile Justice Act in 2019, nine such training programmes have been conducted for relevant agencies.
The Act aims to promote the protection, preservation and development of the physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being of children in order to promote family values in nation-building. The Act also aims to avoid the adverse effects on juvenile offenders from the criminal justice system largely designed for adults.