How does confidentiality in juvenile proceedings differ from adult proceedings?

Juvenile proceedings are typically confidential to protect the youth's future. This confidentiality is a cornerstone of the juvenile justice system, reflecting the understanding that young individuals are still developing and that their mistakes should not irreparably harm their chances for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By keeping these proceedings private, the law aims to encourage rehabilitation rather than punishment, allowing youth to learn from their actions without the stigma that could follow them if their cases were made public.

The rationale behind this confidentiality is tied to the belief in the potential for change and the rights of the juvenile to have a chance to lead a productive life without the burden of a public criminal record. Privacy safeguards such as closed hearings and restricted access to records help ensure that juveniles are treated fairly and receive the support they need during their developmental years.

While there are exceptional circumstances under which records might be accessed (such as serious offenses or repeat offenders), the general principle is to maintain confidentiality to preserve the youth's future prospects and privacy.