Seeing the potential in a new facility for Child-Centered Justice

Albania has just completed a major investment in a new facility for children in conflict with the law in Mëzez, an administrative unit near the capital, Tirana, with a thriving industrial area close to businesses, transportation, medical, and educational facilities. Mëzez is a clear signal of the government's commitment to promoting a restorative justice approach for children in conflict with the law and their parents, and a center for training professionals and paraprofessionals across various disciplines.

But the completion of the building is not the end of the story - it is the beginning of a choice. How Mëzez is defined, staffed, and run over the coming months will determine whether it becomes a flagship demonstration of Albania's progress toward EU and international standards, one that other countries in the region could look to as a reference point.

Ms. Agcaoili pointed out five key points that would define the success of this campus: 

1. It should offer open programmes for prevention of juvenile offending, diversion from formal justice proceedings including mediation and family or community conferencing, and rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. 
2. Open programs mean children attend school in the community and return home to their families, but they may also attend programs at the center since these are not yet widely available in the community. 
3.  A campus for the formation of professionals and paraprofessionals working on justice for children, with a focus on multidisciplinary case management and restorative justice approaches. 
4. A center where municipalities can learn to develop community-based programs for children and seamless referral pathways, ensuring children are supported within their own communities.
5. Open to community engagement, where the private sector, academia, businesses, and professional networks can provide their expertise and support.