How does Youth Court approach the concept of justice?

The Youth Court approach to justice is centered on healing and restoration rather than punishment. This model emphasizes understanding the underlying issues that led to a young person's involvement in the justice system and seeks to address these through supportive measures rather than traditional punitive actions.

In this model, the goal is not just to penalize the youth for their actions but to facilitate their growth and development as individuals. This may involve restorative practices such as community service, counseling, and opportunities for reconciliation with victims. By fostering accountability and encouraging positive relationships, Youth Courts aim to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration into the community.

This contrasts starkly with a punitive lens, which focuses solely on punishment without consideration for rehabilitation. Removing all consequences would neglect the need for accountability, which plays a crucial role in the restorative process. Additionally, a purely adversarial model would overlook the collaborative and inclusive strategies that are core to the Youth Court's philosophy, where the involvement of peers and victims is integral to the restorative approach.