Assessing Legislative Compliance of Juvenile Justice in the CEE Region with International Standards

The article explores the extent to which juvenile justice systems in the countries of Central and Eastern European countries comply with international standards. It reviews key international instruments, emphasizing principles such as the best interests of the child, rehabilitation over punishment, and the use of detention only as a last resort. While all of the analyzed countries have made significant legislative progress by incorporating child-centered principles into their legal frameworks, the article identifies major gaps in implementation. These include outdated facilities, insufficient training for professionals, weak cooperation between justice and welfare sectors, limited use of diversion and restorative justice, and a tendency to rely on incarceration. Finally, the given article concludes that to ensure real compliance with international standards, CEE countries must move beyond legal reform and invest in institutional support, professional education, and community-based alternatives. In that aspect, effective juvenile justice must recognize that young offenders are still children in need of protection, guidance, and opportunities for reintegration.