Age limit coming for 'children dragged into crime'

A button has been pressed for a comprehensive change in the juvenile justice system in Turkey. The regulation, which will emerge as a result of the work carried out in Parliament, is expected to include new measures aimed at preventing children from being pushed into crime. It is stated that the report to be prepared will be submitted to Parliament as a separate legislative proposal.

With the relevant regulation, it is emphasized that in addition to lowering the age of criminal responsibility for children to 10, stricter practices for serious crimes are on the agenda.

At the center of the new system, instead of direct imprisonment for children involved in crime at a young age, gradual and rehabilitative sanctions will be applied.

The judicial process will come into play as a last resort. It is aimed to bring preventive and remedial policies to the forefront. The main goal of the new strategy will not be the punishment of children, but their protection and reintegration into society.

At the same time, research reveals that the vast majority of children who commit crimes are not sufficiently aware of the consequences of legal processes.

Factors such as dropping out of education, harmful habits, negative social environments, and violence stand out as the most important factors in children being dragged into crime.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND SANCTIONS FOR FAMILIES

Another striking aspect of the regulation is that parents will assume more responsibility.

Especially in cases where children under the age of 16 commit crimes, families will be under obligation regarding the supervision of the child, ensuring compliance with established rules, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Various sanctions may also be on the agenda for families who do not comply with these conditions.

Furthermore, in cases involving serious crimes, it is planned to limit or completely abolish the criminal sentence reductions granted to children.

In addition to this, the implementation of more effective tools to combat organized structures that lead children into crime is also among the topics being focused on.

Raising children in a healthy environment, increasing preventive services, and supporting their adaptation to society are also among the targeted steps.

The new legislative proposal is expected to be brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in the coming days.