Key moments of juvenile justice in Ukraine

• In Event: Juvenile Justice 3. Emerging Issues in Juvenile Justice Research

Abstract

Juvenile justice in Ukraine is actively developing and improving. The traditional system of juvenile punishment does not provide the expected result in terms of correction of the convict, compensation of the victim and prevention of recidivism of criminal offenses. Ukraine is actively developing restored justice, which can solve many more problems than traditional justice. accordingly, victims will be rehabilitated, for whom only material or moral compensation in monetary terms is often lacking. The application of restorative justice makes it possible to understand the reason for committing a criminal offense against them, to hear an apology, to feel safe again and not to be afraid to continue living in society, to receive emotional healing. It is also very important for a juvenile offender to be able to hear the state and emotions of the victim, which in the future performs a preventive function regarding the commission of new criminal offenses. In addition, restorative justice focuses its attention not on the offender and his punishment, but on rehabilitation, which has a positive effect on all participants in the process.
The "Barnachus" model created in Ukraine is beginning to be used more actively in criminal proceedings involving minors, at the pre-trial investigation stage. The practice of completing the opening of Centers for protection and socio-psychological support in the justice process for children who have suffered or witnessed violence and in other cities of Ukraine.
It is important in the field of juvenile justice to observe the principle of the best interests of the child and to understand the specifics of pre-trial investigation and trial. It is also important to pay attention to the prevention of child crime.
Juvenile justice in Ukraine needs further changes that will help develop a child-centered approach and improve child-friendly justice.

Author

• Natalia Khmelevska, Ukraine