What was a key focus of youth justice reform under the act?

• A. Punishment
• B. Rehabilitation
• C. Deterrence
• D. Detention

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to help young people stop offending by addressing the reasons behind their behavior, not just punishing them. Youth justice reform focuses on rehabilitation—providing education, training, mental health and family support, and opportunities to reintegrate into the community. This approach recognizes that many young offenders have developing brains and unmet needs, so fixing those issues helps reduce reoffending. The reform also promotes diversion from formal court processes and uses restorative practices to help young people take responsibility and make amends. Deterrence, punishment, or detention tend to have less lasting impact on youths and can hinder their future, whereas rehabilitation targets the underlying causes and supports safer, lasting outcomes.