Juvenile Justice in Papua New Guinea Arrest 2002

Juvenile Justice in Papua New Guinea

Arrest 2002 Juvenile arrested Arrest 2005 Diversionary processes implemented Juvenile detained in adult cell Juvenile taken to central processing point and detained in a juvenile cell Juvenile beaten or abused by police Juvenile dealt with by trained, on-duty juvenile officer Juvenile interviewed without legal representation or parents being notified. Juvenile interviewed in the presence of advocate and/or parent

Court Appearance 2002 Tried in District Court, by District Court Magistrates Court Appearance 2005 Tried in Juvenile Court, by Juvenile Court Magistrate Not offered bail, even for minor offences Released into care of family of NGO Tried under old legislation (not child friendly) Tried under new Juvenile Courts Act Harsh sentencing, no opportunity for review Diversionary options available, 6 monthly reviews when remanded or detained.

Detention 2002 Detention 2005 Children often subject to abuse by officers and other adult residents Remanded in Juvenile Institutions, with trained correctional officers No access to community programs or organisations Provided with access to education and other community programs Poor living conditions Minimum Standards developed, advocates conduct spot-checks Released without support to reintegrate into the community Support programs developed when child released