Juvenile Training School (Japan)
Juvenile Training Schools (少年院, Shōnen-in) in Japan are correctional institutions for juvenile delinquents. They are facilities where young people aged roughly 14 to under 20 who have been adjudicated as delinquent by a Family Court are sent to receive rehabilitation and guidance aimed at their reintegration into society.
These schools differ from juvenile prisons, which are reserved for more serious offenders, especially those who are approaching adulthood. The focus of a Juvenile Training School is primarily on education, vocational training, and character development. Programs are designed to address the specific issues that led to the delinquent behavior, such as substance abuse, anger management, or lack of social skills.
The curriculum typically includes mandatory academic studies, ranging from basic literacy to high school level coursework, depending on the individual's educational background. Vocational training provides opportunities to learn skills that can improve their employability upon release. Social skills training and counseling are also integral parts of the rehabilitation process.
Life within a Juvenile Training School is highly structured and disciplined, with a daily routine that includes study, exercise, work assignments, and reflection. Restrictions on personal freedom are in place to ensure order and safety, and to instill a sense of responsibility.
Placement in a Juvenile Training School is decided by the Family Court based on the severity of the offense, the individual's background, and their potential for rehabilitation. The length of stay varies depending on the individual's progress and the specific program they are enrolled in, but generally lasts for several months to a few years.
Upon release, individuals are often placed under the supervision of a probation officer who provides ongoing support and guidance to help them successfully readjust to life in the community. The ultimate goal of the Juvenile Training School system is to rehabilitate delinquent youth and prevent them from re-offending.