Young people in conflict with the law

Y Care International, with fundring from the European Union, is supporting Togo YMCA to implement a three year project which reaches out to children and young people in conflict with the law and young people at risk of offending.

Despite efforts by the Togolese Government to improve the justice system in recent years, a high number of young people continue to be detained without charge and many remain in prison for more than nine months with no access to legal support.

This project builds on the experience of Togo YMCA, who have been working with this highly marginalised group since 2005. It responds to a continued need to support vulnerable children and young people who get caught up in a justice system that is unable to meet their needs and uphold their rights.

How we are helping
This project began in February 2009 and is providing support to children and young people in prison as well as those identified as at risk of coming into conflict with the law, particularly children and young people who live and/or work on the streets.

At least 1,300 children and young people in conflict with the law in two cities are supported through a rehabilitation programme that responds to their legal, health, educational and vocational training needs. This includes legal advice delivered directly by a group of 30 young trained detainees who make up the innovative in-prison legal clubs. The project is also helping to raise awarenesss of young people’s rights, enabling them to advocate for improvements in the youth justice system.

In addition, more than 1,200 children and young people living and/or working on the streets of the capital, Lomé and Atakpamé - a busy urban centre 150 km north of Lomé – are receiving access to health, educational and vocational training services, enabling them to earn a decent living and contribute to a reduction in the level of economic-motivated crime.

Representatives of the prison, police and legal authorities have received training in child protection, and a specific code of conduct towards children and young people who come into conflict with the law.

Youth advocacy groups have been trained and supported to carry out advocacy work aimed at improving the juvenile justice system and reducing stigma and discrimination towards young ex-offenders.

What we have achieved so far

• In two years, 360 former young offenders and at risk young people (60% female) have received vocational training and 85 of them have received equipment and business management advice to establish a successful small enterprise and secure a decent income
• More than 2,500 children and young people in conflict with the law and young people ‘at risk’ are accessing health information and services; psycho-social counselling and support to reunite with their families; literacy support; and recreational activities
• Two youth-led advocacy groups have been raising awareness among more than 6,000 decision-makers and members of the wider community on the needs and rights of young people who come into conflict with the law, contributing to a reduction in stigma
• 150 prison, police and legal personnel will be trained in youth rights and are working more effectively and ethically with children and young people who come into conflict with the law.

This project has been co-finance by the European Union.