Interrogating the Evolution of the Child Justice System in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of the child justice system and associated practices in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), focusing on both achievements and the gaps that still exist. With the onset of the new millennium, there has been a movement towards child justice that recognises the rights and well-being of children, as outlined in international declarations such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The primary focus of this ethnographic study is the child justice system. Inquiries have utilised informants such as social workers, teachers and legal authorities as sources of data collection. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to obtain data from such respondents knowledgeable about processes shaping the administration of child justice in T&T. Given the lack of a comprehensive analyses regarding child protection policy approaches in T&T, this chapter draws on findings from documentary evidence and the Rights of the Children and Youth Partnership (RCYP) Project to gain insights for understanding systemic gaps and potential manifestations of successful engagement in institutional settings championing the protection of children. The study advocates for a shift towards a more holistic approach to child protection, promoting not only legal and policy advancements but also the importance of legal ethics training.