Juvenile Laws at Turkey
Turkey's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, emphasizing rehabilitation and protection of minors in conflict with the law.
Legal Framework:
Criminal Responsibility Age: Turkish law differentiates criminal responsibility based on age:
Under 12 Years: No criminal liability; only protective measures can be applied.
Ages 12 to 15: Criminal responsibility exists if the child understands the legal meaning and consequences of their actions. If comprehension is lacking, protective measures are enforced.
Ages 15 to 18: Full criminal responsibility with penalties reduced by one-third, acknowledging their developmental stage.
Juvenile Justice Initiatives:
Juvenile Probation Programme (DENGE): Launched in 2016, this program aims to enhance probation services for minors, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing detention rates. It operates in 21 provinces, offering alternatives to detention and supporting reintegration into society.
Juvenile Justice Center (ÇAM) in Erzurum: Established in 2021, ÇAM provides a child-friendly environment for judicial processes, including specialized courts and support services, aiming to prevent secondary victimization and facilitate rehabilitation.
Restorative Justice and Rehabilitation:
Restorative Justice Practices: Turkey encourages juvenile offenders to take responsibility for their actions through dialogue with victims, aiming to repair harm and foster empathy.
Individualized Treatment: Each juvenile offender undergoes individual assessment to identify specific needs and risks, leading to tailored rehabilitation plans addressing underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior.
Recent Developments:
Child-Friendly Judicial Interview Rooms: Developed under the "Justice for Children Project," these rooms aim to prevent secondary victimization by providing a child-friendly environment during judicial processes.
Psychosocial Support Programs: Initiatives like the "ANKA Psychosocial Support Programme" offer rehabilitation for children in detention, addressing their psychological and social needs to aid reintegration.
Challenges:
High Conviction Rates: In 2022, over 30,000 minors were convicted in Turkey, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current juvenile justice policies and the need for further reforms.
Conditions in Detention Facilities: Reports indicate that juvenile detention centers may lack adequate facilities and support services, emphasizing the need for improved rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
In summary, Turkey's juvenile justice system has made strides toward a more rehabilitative and child-centered approach, focusing on diversion from detention, restorative justice, and individualized support. However, ongoing efforts are needed to address challenges such as high conviction rates and conditions within detention facilities.
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