“Learning From The Scottish Juvenile Justice System”

Source: (2000) Probation Journal. 47: 12.

David Smith argues that the distinctive welfare orientation of the
Juvenile Justice System in Scotland allows for progressive and
developmental practice in a context of voluntarism, and an
inter-agency commitment to welfare principles. He sees this as a
refreshing alternative to the punitive orientation of youth justice
policy in England and Wales, and concludes that while the Scottish
system can be criticised for naivety and for missing an
opportunity to develop still more effective practice, it has the potential
for progressive development, and is likely to remain intact despite its
radical difference from what is taken for granted south of the border.