How does the processing of juveniles differ from that of adults?

The processing of juveniles differs from that of adults primarily because juveniles are granted additional protections that reflect a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This includes confidentiality measures that ensure the privacy of the juvenile's identity and offense details, which is critical for protecting their future when they are still developing and potentially rehabilitatable. Furthermore, the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, with various programs aimed at guiding youth towards positive development and preventing re-offending. This approach contrasts with the adult system, which tends to focus more on punitive measures. By providing these protections and a rehabilitative focus, the system acknowledges that juveniles may not have the same level of maturity or decision-making capabilities as adults, thereby justifying a different approach.