A new study by the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has found that while the Maldives possesses a comprehensive legal framework for its juvenile justice system, financial constraints are hindering its effective implementation.
The findings were released during a recent conference on juvenile justice organised by the PG Office.
The research indicates that current efforts to prevent juvenile crime need to be strengthened - a key area identified for improvement is increasing outreach through awareness programmes for at-risk children and their families.
However, the study notes that financial limitations faced by relevant agencies are preventing these programmes from being implemented as widely as needed.
According to the report, a comprehensive legal framework is in place to guide the system, but the agencies responsible for its execution lack the necessary financial strength to achieve optimal results.
To improve the system, the PG Office study offers several key recommendations, including the need for continuous access to counseling, therapy, and mental health assistance to prevent them from re-offending.
Other recommendations include a more robust system to facilitate communication among all agencies involved in crime prevention, including schools, law enforcement, and social and health service providers.
The study advocates for policies that address the root causes of poverty and economic inequality. These policies should ensure that every family has access to housing, food, health, and education.
For juvenile offenders, the study recommends specialised counseling, education, and skills development, along with sustainable apprenticeship programmes, to help them reintegrate into society rather than face punitive measures.
The research by the PG Office was part of a larger collection of studies on the juvenile justice system published at the conference, detailing existing problems and potential solutions.
It highlights that despite having the right laws on the books, a lack of funding is creating significant barriers to implementation. Without adequate resources, agencies struggle to provide the holistic support necessary to rehabilitate young offenders and prevent future crimes.