Workshop Held in Maldives to Strengthen Juvenile Diversion System

A workshop aimed at strengthening the juvenile diversion system and increasing collaboration among participating institutions was held in the Maldives. The workshop, organized by the Department of Juvenile Justice, saw the participation of 30 individuals. Held under the theme 'Strengthening the Diversion System through Increased Collaboration', the meeting involved the Maldives Police Service, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. The main objective was to enhance inter-agency coordination to strengthen the diversion system, which seeks to resolve juvenile cases through alternative means rather than referring them to court. Participants were briefed on the principles of diversion, relevant laws, and policies. The workshop also discussed the importance of collaboration between agencies and the protocols for referring cases. The Department of Juvenile Justice expressed hope that the meeting would strengthen the juvenile justice system and improve services for children. The Child Justice Act was enacted in 2019. Under this law, the Department of Juvenile Justice, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, runs various programs. The purpose of the act is to protect and promote the physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of children today, and to prevent the negative impact of involving children in the general criminal justice system.