“What Works” Literature, How Is That Reflected in Juvenile Justice Policies in Albania?

Abstract

The principles of “What works” literature are based on theory, practice and research and they bring evidence on successful interventions in different contexts and specifically in juvenile justice policies. “What works” literature in the field of juvenile justice in Albania is not taken in consideration in none of the stages of criminal justice, including investigation, security measures, trial and criminal sentence, the execution of criminal sentence. Ministry of Justice has not developed yet a Strategy for Juvenile Justice to address the minor’s problematic facing the criminal justice system. The plan of Action for Children 2012- 2015 has some objectives not achieved yet regarding the minors in conflict with law. The amendments of Code of Criminal Procedures regarding the minors, in force in 2014, has not yet produced positive effects on the minors in conflicts with law in Albania. The role of General Prosecution Office and the court system in this aspect are of great importance for the investigation stage, trial and the execution of the sentence. The discussion presents the principles of literature “What works” in the field of juvenile justice and in this frame suggestions will be presented in line with Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedures.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2s2p134