How To Conduct 6.2 – 6.8

6.2–6.8 Session Guidance: Applying Juvenile Justice in Practice (From First Contact to Diversion)

Methodology and Learning Process

This block should be delivered as a visual walkthrough combined with guided discussion. The aim is to show how police apply juvenile justice safeguards in practice, step by step, whenever a child is suspected or accused of an offence. It is a practice-focused explanation supported by one visual flow chart, short discussion prompts, and clarification of police responsibilities at each stage.

Step 1: Core Visual Tool: Police Response Flow (Projector Required)

Visual Title

“Police Response When a Child Is Suspected or Accused of an Offence”

Display a single flow diagram with the following stages:

1. First Contact / Arrest
2. Age Assessment
3. Immediate Safeguards
4. Investigation (Child-Sensitive)
5. Custody or Release Decision
6. Diversion or Formal Process
7. Referral & Follow-Up

Step-by-Step Guided Walkthrough

Step 2: First Contact / Arrest of a Child

Trainer Explanation

Explain: “The moment police believe a suspect may be under 18, juvenile justice safeguards apply.”

Key police actions:

• Treat the person as a child
• Avoid force, handcuffs or intimidation
• Ensure separation from adult suspects

Trainer Prompt

“What mistakes often happen at this stage?”

Step 2: Age Assessment of a Child

Trainer Explanation

Explain:

• Ask for B-Form, birth certificate or school record
• Record steps taken in the case diary
• If uncertain, treat as child until verified

Key Rule

Benefit of doubt always goes to the child.

Step 3: Immediate Safeguards (JJSA in Practice)

Trainer Explanation

State clearly:

Police must:

• Inform parents/guardians without delay (unless unsafe)
• Notify the Probation Officer immediately
• Explain rights in simple language
• Protect identity and privacy
• Ensure complete separation from adults

Emphasise:

“These are mandatory safeguards, not optional.”

Step 4: Child-Sensitive Investigation

Trainer Explanation

Explain:

• No coercion, pressure or confession-focused questioning
• Neutral, age-appropriate questions
• Explore whether the child acted under pressure, exploitation, andabuse or neglect
• Female officers should lead interaction with girls where possible

Step 5: Custody or Release Decision

Trainer Explanation

Explain clearly:

“Detention is a last resort.”

Police must:

• Prefer bail, warning or supervised release
• Avoid prolonged remand
• Never place children in adult lock-ups

Step 6: Diversion (Core JJSA Feature)

Trainer Explanation

Explain in simple terms:

“Diversion means correcting behaviour without formal punishment.”

Examples: warnings, probation supervision, counselling,and community-based programmes.

Emphasise:

• Strongly preferred for first-time and non-violent offences
• Police should not oppose bail mechanically
• Probation Officers guide rehabilitation

Step 7: Referral & Follow-Up

Trainer Explanation

Explain:

Police are not child-care or rehabilitation specialists and do not have the mandate or time to provide long-term support. Children must therefore be referred to the appropriate authorities.

Police should refer:

• The child to the Probation Officer
• Cases involving protection risks to the Sindh Child Protection Authority
• Link the child, where required, to Social Welfare or other support services if SCPA response is slow, inadequate or not available

and

Follow-ups:

• Follow up, where required, to ensure the child has been received and protected
• Record all referrals in the case diary

Step 8: Discussion Moment 

Ask participants: 

• • “At which stage do police decisions matter most?”

• “Which step is most often skipped in practice?”

Allow brief discussion.

Step 9: Trainer Closing Note

“Juvenile justice is not about being soft. It is about being lawful, professional and effective.”