A new bill on the Juvenile Penal System aims to replace the outdated Law No. 22.278 from 1980, redirecting focus toward a more holistic approach centered on the reeducation and educational support of young offenders. This reformation is prompted, in part, by public debate surrounding the age of criminal responsibility, but the new law encompasses much more than just setting an age limit. It introduces specific measures, including dedicated funding, to support a structure focused on both rehabilitation and monitoring of youth involved in criminal activities.

The law outlines four key operational axes designed to facilitate this new approach. Firstly, it mandates compulsory schooling for young offenders, integrating tailored educational programs into the national education system. Secondly, it emphasizes vocational training, allowing adolescents to acquire skills and trades that may assist in their reintegration into society. Thirdly, the bill places significant importance on family involvement, enabling legal summons for parents or guardians to attend hearings, thereby addressing the parenting aspects of juvenile crime and rectifying behaviors. Lastly, it suggests establishing support networks involving community organizations to bolster these rehabilitative efforts.

Ultimately, this revised juvenile justice approach intends not only to provide a framework for addressing youth crime but also to foster an environment conducive to positive change for young individuals, their families, and the communities they belong to. It reflects a paradigm shift from punitive measures toward a more empathetic and constructive response to juvenile delinquency, underlining the necessity of investment in youth’s future through education and social re-engagement.