Learning from the Scottish juvenile justice system.

Smith, David B. (2000) Learning from the Scottish juvenile justice system. Probation Journal, 47 (1). pp. 12-17. ISSN 1741-3079

Abstract

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.