Ministry of Justice Advocates for New Regulation to Establish Child Rehabilitation Centers.

Bangkok: The Ministry of Justice is advocating for a draft ministerial regulation aimed at facilitating the licensing of private and social sectors to establish rehabilitation centers for children who have made mistakes. This initiative seeks to diversify care options beyond government-operated facilities. According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, the Minister of Justice, recently met with the Youth Network for Risk Reduction and former residents of the Children and Youth Training Center (Male), Baan Kanchanaphisek. These groups, representing a coalition of organizations including the Quality of Life Development Network and the Children, Youth and Family Foundation, expressed their gratitude for the advancement of the draft Ministerial Regulation under Section 55 of the Juvenile and Family Court Act. This regulation was presented at the Cabinet meeting and received approval on November 5. The Minister emphasized the importance of involving multiple sectors in the development and rehabilitatio n of youth, advocating for a broader and more inclusive approach to justice. The initiative represents a significant milestone, coming 13 years after the initial enactment of the relevant law. The focus is on creating a more varied and contextually appropriate system for child and youth rehabilitation, encouraging public participation in justice processes. The Minister also highlighted the potential of alternative justice or reconciliation justice methods as a means to uphold rights and freedoms. Former residents of the Kanchanaphisek Children and Youth Training Center (Male) have requested further support from the Ministry of Justice to transform the facility into a social learning center. This would allow various agencies to study and adopt the center's methods for rehabilitating youth. Additionally, they proposed the creation of a financial system akin to a student loan fund, providing financial assistance to youth as they reintegrate into society, with structures in place for mentoring and repayment.