Probation is an important alternative to imprisonment in juvenile justice and aims to rehabilitate children and adolescents involved in offences. The Children Act 2013 places particular emphasis on probation to prevent children from being permanently labelled as criminals for a single offence. Probation officers are responsible for supporting children from the time of arrest through rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society. In Bangladesh, probation services are administered by the Department of Social Services under the Ministry of Social Welfare through the Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960, amended in 1964. However, the existing legal framework has not been adequately reformed, and no separate comprehensive probation law or policy has been developed. Consequently, probation services have not achieved their expected potential in juvenile rehabilitation. This review argues that strengthening the legal and institutional framework for probation is essential for effective child-friendly justice. Improved probation services could reduce reliance on imprisonment, support rehabilitation, and protect children’s rights, development, and prospects for a healthy and productive life.

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Authors : Nahida Ferdousi

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