Which principle is not a key component of juvenile justice?

The principle that is not a key component of juvenile justice is punishment. In juvenile justice systems, the focus is primarily on rehabilitation and the development of competencies, recognizing that young individuals are still in the process of forming their identities and are capable of change.

Juvenile justice operates under the premise that juveniles have different needs and capacities compared to adults, and thus the system emphasizes providing interventions that promote rehabilitation rather than solely administering punitive measures. While accountability is important, it encourages youth to take responsibility for their actions in a supportive manner rather than resorting to traditional punishment, which is seen more in adult justice systems.

Rehabilitation aims to address the underlying issues that contribute to delinquent behavior, while competency development focuses on equipping youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to make positive choices in the future. By prioritizing these principles, the juvenile justice system seeks to reintegrate young offenders into the community as productive members rather than simply inflicting punishment.