Juvenile detention harmful

ATTORNEY-General Johannes Tomana last week said putting children behind bars was counter–productive hence there was need to come up with a programme to rehabilitate offenders outside prison walls.

Speaking during the launch of the pre-trial diversion programme designed to offer minors a second chance in life last Friday, Tomana said meting out harsh punishment like imprisonment would harden deviant tendencies in the children.

“Adolescents typically undergo a rebellious and defiant period while still maturing.

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