On 1st March 2010, a comprehensive piece of legislation encompassing all aspects relating to the welfare and care of the child as well as child justice was enforced in the form of the Children and Young Persons Order 2006. THe Children Order 2000 became obsolete and the juvenile justice system in Brunei was born.
The Juvenile Court is presided by a Juvenile Court Magistrate appointed by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam. The Juvenile Court deals with 3 categories of cases, namely criminal offences committed by juveniles below 18 years old, juveniles who are beyond parental control and juveniles who are in need of care and protection orders.
The introduction of the juvenile justice has empowered Magistrates with alternative 'sentencing' options which include the making of probation orders, community service orders, placement in an Approved School and Approved Home and placement in a Detention Centre. Before making these orders, the Magistrate participatesin discussions with a Panel of Advisers who will deliberate over the best interests of the child in cosultation with the Probation Unit Officers.
The Juvenile Court sits in all four districts. With the concept of restorative justice as the underlying philosophy of the establishing legislation, the Juvenile Court is committed to rehabilitating and reintegrating young offenders back into society in order to preserve and safeguard the future of those who have lost their way.
