Q. Define Juvenile Probation.
Explain the Organization and Administration of
Juvenile Probation Services.
Definition of Juvenile Probation
Juvenile probation is a system under which a young offender is released by the
court under supervision, instead of being sent to jail or a reformatory institution.
In simple words, it means giving the child a second chance to improve, while
being watched and guided by a probation officer. The aim is to reform and
rehabilitate the juvenile rather than to punish him.
Definition: Juvenile probation is a method of treatment where the
court allows a juvenile offender to remain in the community under
the supervision of a probation officer, with certain conditions and
guidance for his reformation.
Purpose of Juvenile Probation
The main goal of juvenile probation is reformation instead of punishment. It is
based on the belief that:
"Children who commit crimes can be corrected through guidance and
care, not punishment."
Objectives of Juvenile Probation
1. Rehabilitation: To reform and improve the behavior of juvenile offenders
through education, guidance, and counseling.
2. Prevention of future crimes: To help juveniles become responsible citizens
and reduce chances of reoffending.
3. Avoid imprisonment: To protect juveniles from the negative influence of
jails or hardened criminals.
4. Social reintegration: To help the juvenile adjust back into family and
community life.
5. Family and community participation: To involve the family and community
in supporting and monitoring the child’s behavior.
Legal Framework in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the system of juvenile probation is provided under:
1. The Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 (JJSA 2018)
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This law governs how juveniles are to be treated in the criminal justice system.
It emphasizes rehabilitation and diversion rather than punishment.
Section 9 of the Act provides for release on probation under supervision.
2. The Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960
It applies to both adults and juveniles but gives special consideration to juveniles.
Courts can release an offender on probation if the offence is not very serious and
if the offender seems capable of reformation.
Organization of Juvenile Probation Services
The organization of probation services consists of several important parts that
work together to ensure proper implementation.
1. Probation Department
The probation system in Pakistan is organized under the Provincial Home
Department or Social Welfare Department.
The department is responsible for implementing probation laws.
It supervises and manages probation officers.
It keeps records and submits reports to the government about the progress of
probation work.
2. Probation Officers
Probation officers play the most important role in the probation system. They
are trained professionals who supervise the behavior and activities of the juvenile.
Functions of Probation Officers:
Investigate the background, family, and social conditions of the juvenile before
sentencing.
Supervise the juvenile during the probation period.
Provide counseling, guidance, and assistance for education or vocational training.
Report the progress of the juvenile to the court regularly.
Help the juvenile in getting employment or continuing education.
Inform the court if the juvenile violates any probation conditions.
3. Juvenile Courts
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Juvenile courts are special courts established under the Juvenile Justice System
Act 2018.
Functions of Juvenile Courts:
Hear cases involving juveniles.
Decide whether to send the child to a rehabilitation center or release on probation.
Issue probation orders and set conditions for supervision.
Monitor reports submitted by probation officers.
Cancel probation if the juvenile commits a new offense or violates the conditions.
4. Social Welfare Agencies and NGOs
Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social welfare institutions
help in the probation process.
They provide:
Psychological and social counseling.
Skill training and educational support.
Family counseling programs.
Recreational and moral education activities.
These agencies assist the probation officer in rehabilitating and reintegrating the
juvenile into society.
5. Community Involvement
Community members, teachers, and religious leaders also play a part by:
Encouraging the juvenile to improve behavior.
Providing a positive social environment.
Helping the probation officer in supervision.
Community participation strengthens the rehabilitation process.
Administration of Juvenile Probation Services
The administration of probation services is divided among different levels of
government and judicial bodies.
1. Federal Level
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The Federal Government sets national policies for probation and rehabilitation.
It provides guidelines, funds, and training programs for provincial probation
officers.
It also coordinates with international organizations for juvenile justice reforms.
2. Provincial Level
Each province has a Directorate of Probation and Parole under the Home
Department or Social Welfare Department.
Functions:
Appoint probation officers and staff.
Supervise probation work in districts.
Arrange training and workshops for officers.
Monitor and evaluate the success of probation programs.
Maintain data and statistics of probationers.
3. District Level
At the district level, District Probation Officers (DPOs) handle cases referred by
juvenile courts.
Duties include:
Visiting homes, schools, and workplaces of the juvenile.
Counseling the child and family.
Submitting reports to the court.
Coordinating with police, schools, and NGOs for support.
4. Judicial Administration
The juvenile court is responsible for ensuring that probation orders are followed
properly.
The court supervises the work of probation officers.
It may call for reports on the juvenile’s progress.
It can modify or cancel the probation order if necessary.
Process of Juvenile Probation
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1. Pre-Sentence Investigation: The probation officer collects information
about the juvenile’s age, family background, education, and circumstances.
2. Probation Order: If the court believes the juvenile can be reformed, it
releases him on probation for a specific period under supervision.
3. Supervision and Counseling: The probation officer regularly meets the
juvenile, provides counseling, and monitors behavior.
4. Rehabilitation Programs: The juvenile may be sent for vocational training,
education, or community service to improve skills and discipline.
5. Completion or Cancellation:
If the juvenile successfully completes the probation period, the case is closed,
and the record is cleared.
If the juvenile violates the terms, the court may cancel the probation and send
him to a rehabilitation center.
Challenges in Juvenile Probation Services in Pakistan
1. Lack of trained probation officers.
2. Insufficient funds and resources.
3. Poor coordination between courts, police, and welfare departments.
4. Limited rehabilitation centers and vocational training facilities.
5. Social stigma and lack of awareness among families about probation bene-
fits.
6. Overburdened courts and administrative delays.
Suggestions for Improvement
1. Recruit and train more probation officers in every district.
2. Increase government funding for probation and rehabilitation programs.
3. Strengthen coordination between courts, police, and social welfare depart-
ments.
4. Create awareness programs for families and communities.
5. Set up more rehabilitation and vocational training centers for juveniles.
6. Use technology to maintain records and monitor progress efficiently.
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Conclusion
Juvenile probation is one of the most effective and humane methods for dealing
with young offenders. It focuses on reformation, guidance, and rehabilitation
rather than punishment.
In Pakistan, despite existing laws like the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, the
probation system faces several challenges such as shortage of staff and lack of
facilities.
With better administration, trained officers, and public awareness, juvenile
probation can play a major role in reducing juvenile delinquency and creating a
safer and more just society.
