A TWO-DAY training seminar for police and village leaders, on the Juvenile Justice Act, concluded on Wednesday at the Indigenous People’s Conference Hall in Lethem.
The seminar was facilitated by director of Juvenile, Justice William Orrin Boston.
The training was geared at sensitising the participants on the purpose of the Juvenile Justice Act which is to rehabilitate, educate and reintegrate juvenile offenders.
The seminar also highlighted the various ways that a juvenile must be dealt with once he/she came into conflict with the law. It also emphasised the various measures of diversion.

The training was welcomed by Commander of the Region Nine Division, Superintendent Keithon King, and his Deputy, Woman Assistant Superintendent, Peter-Fernandes .
The commander thanked the officials for providing the participants with the opportunity to understand the importance of the Juvenile Justice Act, the reason for the said Act and implementation where practicable.

There were 41 participants, including ranks from Lethem and the other outlining stations, as well as toshaos and various village representatives.

The Juvenile Justice Bill was passed in April 2018. It seeks to address infractions of the law, involving juveniles, from a standpoint of reformation and diversion.
It also decriminalises offences such as truancy and wandering and deals with issues of youth sentencing. The Act is also aimed at providing a framework where professionals are in the forefront, supporting juveniles rather than the police and prison wardens.