Image: Some members Provincial Juvenile Justice Committee
A working committee was established to execute and implement the Juvenile Justice Act of 2014.
The Act provides guidelines on how to assist juveniles or persons under the age of 18 years old, when they are accused of a crime.
The committee involves the Police Force, the Correctional Services and the Juvenile Justice Courts.
Known as the Provincial Juvenile Justice Committee, it was created following a two days induction training in Port Moresby.
The training is predicted to give committee members, an insight into the current challenges juveniles face when arrested for a crime.
Major Kila Apa from the Salvations Army said correct procedures must be followed through by all Law Enforcing Agencies when a juvenile is accused of a crime.
In Papua New Guinea, children under the age of 18 are most times prosecuted as adults in a District or National Court.
Thus, this committee is established to properly prosecute juveniles in a separate court, to protect the reputation and welfare of a juvenile.
An example would be the alleged Kokoda Track rape incident, involving a foreign couple.
Representing the Australia Federal Police, Brad Morgan said juvenile policing is a small but important part of the community policing, as it amounts to protecting human rights.
Acting Director of the Juvenile Justice Services in NCD, Patricia Gure, said the two day induction the members went through has identified areas where the committee will use to provide essential advice to juveniles.
The establishment of the committee is a positive start to advocating and promoting Juvenile Justice Services in NCD.
Other provinces have existing committees to also assist juveniles who find themselves in a court room.
