A “juvenile” in Singapore is defined as a person between 7 years and 16 years of age.The Youth Court (formerly known as the Juvenile Court) handles Juvenile Arrest Cases (JAC) and has the power to make orders for juveniles where an offence has been proved, or where the juvenile admits the facts constituting the offence under s44 of the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA). During this process, the Youth Court takes into consideration every individual offenders strengths and limitations to make the orders.
Generally, the factors that the Youth Court considers when making an order include:
- Rehabilitation and reformation of the offender
- Removal of him from undesirable surroundings
- Promoting his education and welfare
- Compensation of victim(s) involved
- Protection of public
- Minimising the risk of further offending by the offender
- Punishment of the offender