An International Perspective on the Rights of Juvenile Offenders or "Children Living in Exceptionally Difficult Conditions"

Abstract

Substance user treatment providers, researchers, policy makers, and educators working in the juvenile justice field may be unaware of international policies governing the protection of youthful offenders. This presentation reviews the international rights of detained and incarcerated youth outlined in a variety of United Nations documents. Adolescents in contact with criminal justice systems have the right to the "highest attainable standard of health, both physical and mental."’ When substance abuse is involved they have the right to receive appropriate community-based treatment. Periods of contact with the criminal justice system may be one among very few opportunities to provide services for youth and these opportunities should not be wasted.

• Youthful offenders
• Human rights
• Substance misuse

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Genevieve Monahan

Genevieve Monahan, Ph.D., R.N., C.S., (USA) is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health Nursing at California State University, Long Beach, in Long Beach, California. Dr. Monahan’s primary area of research focuses on the physical and mental health needs of juvenile offenders. She is a member of the United States Public Health Service, Society of Primary Care Policy Fellows, a past President of the Southern California Public Health Association (SCPHA), and recipient of the SCPHA President’s Award in 2002 for her outstanding contributions to public health. She is a member of the editorial board of Substance Use and Misuse and has been a faculty member of the Middle Eastern- Mediterranean Summer Institute on Drug Use in Israel and in Italy.