On July 26th, 2023, the Centre for Public Policy & Governance (CPPG) partnered with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to host their third joint training session for their ongoing project titled “Juvenile Justice System Act 2018: Assessment, Analysis, and Capacity Building.” The objective of the training session was to promote the dissemination and exchange of practical knowledge concerning the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA) and strengthen collaborations with stakeholders to ensure its effective implementation of the JJSA in Punjab.

To facilitate the training series, a comprehensive manual was developed, detailing the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder involved in implementing the Juvenile Justice System Act of 2018 in Punjab. Furthermore, participants were provided with pre- and post-assessment forms, allowing for an analysis of their understanding of the JJSA 2018 both before and after the training.

The event brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Probation and Parole department of Punjab, the Prosecution department and from the Social Welfare Department Bait-ul-mal. Emphasizing a proactive approach, the session also included law graduates from Kinnaird College for Women and Lahore School of Law, actively contributing to CPPG’s pursuit of future-oriented goals.

Throughout the training session, productive discussions and valuable comments were exchanged among the present stakeholders, fostering a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in effectively implementing the JJSA. A highlight of these discussions was the mutual recognition of society’s failure to prioritize children’s rights and well-being and how structurally each institution is prepared to take responsibility if effective collaborations take place.

By promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration, the training session successfully aimed to enhance the capacity of all participants and stakeholders involved in the juvenile justice system. The ultimate goal was to work towards creating a more just and equitable society that prioritizes the welfare and rights of children. Through this collaborative effort, the CPPG and USIP sought to ensure a more effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, making significant strides towards improving the juvenile justice system in Punjab.