National research on juvenile diversion in Romania

This report presents an analysis of the juvenile justice system in Romania with a special focus on the diversion measures. The evaluation was conducted in the light of EU standards (Directives 2012/29; 2001/220; 2012/800) but also important UN standards (such as Havana Rules, Beijing Rules, Riyadh Guidelines and so on). The evaluation was based on extensive literature review, legislative analysis, documentation, interviews and focus-groups. Juveniles themselves played an important role in identifying the gaps and solutions. Overall, the juvenile justice legislation was found in line with the European and international standards. There are still slight changes that would make the system work more efficient. One of the main recommendations of this report is to adopt a national strategy for juvenile justice that would ensure a coherent and coordinated mechanism of implementation. Institutional fragmentation and insufficient specialization of staff were the most significant obstacles identified in this report. A national strategy, a registry of children in conflict with the law, clear standards and procedures together with systematic training could deal effectively with these difficulties. Juveniles themselves and their families could also play a more active role in designing and implementing effective interventions with children in conflict with the law.