Stati Generali della giustizia minorile
May 15th, 2026
Italy's juvenile justice system is at a turning point. A system that for decades was considered a model in Europe – grounded in education, rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration – is going through a phase of profound regression.
In response to this crisis, Antigone, Defence for Children Italia and Libera have launched the Stati Generali della giustizia minorile, a collective effort to develop concrete reform proposals and bring them into the public debate.
The work is organised around six thematic working groups: youth issues and criminal justice responses; juvenile detention; probation, community-based measures and juvenile residential facilities; young migrants and the juvenile justice system; competences, organisation and resources; healthcare tailored to minors. From May to November 2026, the groups will meet online and exchange views remotely. Their findings will be presented at a closing conference in Rome in November 2026.
The goal is clear: to call authorities to account for their institutional responsibilities and to defend a model of justice that supports, educates and includes – rather than punishes and marginalises.
For more information, visit statigeneraligiustiziaminorile.org.