JUVENILE COURT
The Juvenile Court is a system that deals specifically with the welfare of children and young persons below the age of 18 years old who needs care & protection, guidance and rehabilitation.
The Court sits in all four districts and deals with 3 categories of cases, namely;
• Child Protection Order (CPO)
• Beyond Parental Control (BPC)
• Juvenile Criminal Offences (Arrest & Traffic)
Matters that are referred to the Juvenile Court are brought by the Attorney General’s Chamber and JAPEM as well as other relevant enforcement agencies.
In the Juvenile Court, the Magistrate is empowered to deliver Orders with the intention of rehabilitating and reintegrating these children and young persons. In the making of their final Orders, the Magistrate will deliberate with a Panel of Advisors on what is the best course of action to be taken.
Children and Young Persons Act 2010
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.
Children and Young Persons Act 2010 Cap 219 was then implemented on 1st March 2010, replacing the Children and Young Persons Order 2006
TYPES OF PROCEEDINGS
Beyond Parental Control
This Court deals with complaint from parents or guardian who face behavioural challenges of children and young person under the age of 18 years old.
Parents and guardian will refer the matter first to JAPEM for counselling before JAPEM decide whether the matter should be brought to this Court or not.
Before making final order, Magistrate will sit together with appointed Panel of Advisors to discuss the decision in the best interest of the children and young person.
Care and Protection Order (CPO)
When children and young persons are no longer safe in their own home, this Court will then step up and make certain order to make sure that the children and young persons are shielded and guarded in any possible way.
Once case involving protection of children and young person is identified, JAPEM (Jabatan Pembangunan Masyarakat) through Attorney General Chambers will make the application to this Court.
Before making final order, Magistrate will sit together with appointed Panel of Advisors to discuss the decision in the best interest of the children and young person.
Juvenile Arrest Case (JAC) / Juvenile Traffic Case (JTC)
When a young person aged below 18 years old is arrested or summoned to attend court for a crime, they will be charged in this Court for either a Juvenile Arrest Case or Juvenile Traffic Case.
These cases are conducted by the Attorney General’s Chamber through the Public Prosecutor after being referred to by relevant enforcement authorities.
Before making final order, Magistrate will sit together with appointed Panel of Advisors to discuss the decision in the best interest of the children and young person.
PANEL OF ADVISORS
The members in the panel of advisors are appointed via the government gazette. They are made of retired and current government officers. They sit together with the Magistrate to discuss on what is the appropriate action to take concerning the welfare of the children and young persons involved.
Parents and guardian will refer the matter first to JAPEM for counselling before JAPEM decide whether the matter should be brought to this Court or not.
Before making final order, Magistrate will sit together with appointed Panel of Advisors to discuss the decision in the best interest of the children and young person.
APPROVED HOMES
- Darussyafaah Puteri (Approved homes and place for detention for girls)
- Darussyafaah Putera Approved homes and place for detention for boys)
- Darul Irsyad Puteri (remand homes for girls)
- Darul Irsyad Putera (remand homes for boys)
- Darussakinah Puteri (Place for safety for girls)
- Darussakinah Putera (Place for safety for boys)