IJ
IJCRM
International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary
ISSN: 2583-7397
Open Access • Peer Reviewed
Impact Factor: 5.67

International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2026;5(1):511-518

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs under the Juvenile Justice Act: Achievements, Failures, and Ongoing Challenges

Author Name: Tanusri Sarkar;   Dr. Suman Shrivastava;  

1. PhD Scholar, Faculty of Legal Studies and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

2. Professor & Dean, Faculty of Legal Studies and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 is also a representation of India's commitment to the welfare approach in rehabilitating children in conflict with law. This narrative review highlights how rehabilitation has been implemented under this legislative mandate and discusses the achievements, failures of the past, as well as its present challenges. This paper, based on empirical studies, official statistics and field observations, assesses the performance of institutional and community rehabilitation mechanisms. It argues that, despite the Act setting up a progressive legal ethos based on reformation as opposed to punishment, there are serious implementation gaps, challenges of resources and systemic ineffectiveness that have prevented it from fulfilling its transformative mandate. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve rehabilitation infrastructure, develop staff capacity and promote multi-stakeholder engagement in the pursuit of achieving the Act's restorative justice aims.

Keywords

Juvenile justice, rehabilitation programs, children in conflict with the law, restorative justice.