An over-view of conflicting values and strategies in the administration of youth justice

Abstract

Administration of youth justice has throughout much of its history been defined by its commitment to the welfare model in treating young offenders. This commitment has however been a source of tension in the administration of youth justice. Thus, this paper examines the nature and causes of tensions in the administration of youth justice and the different strategies that have been used to ensure differential treatment of various categories of young offenders. The study is based on content analysis of primary and secondary sources of data. It concludes that though welfare remains the underlining philosophy of the administration of youth justice, it has adopted measures that would ensure that a more punitive approach is adopted for chronic and violent offenders.

Keywords: Conflicting Values, Strategies, Youth Justice, Administration, Welfare Approach