What is a special protection for juveniles in custody?

Juveniles in custody typically receive certain protections under the law, one of which involves the confidentiality of their identities. When juveniles are charged with crimes, their names and images are generally protected from public disclosure, especially if they are not being tried as adults. This protection is rooted in the understanding that juveniles are still developing and are more vulnerable than adults. The goal is to prevent the potentially lifelong consequences of having their identities made public, which could lead to stigmatization and hinder their rehabilitation.

Maintaining the confidentiality of juvenile offenders serves several purposes, including allowing them a chance to reform without the societal burdens that come with being publicly identified as criminals. Legal frameworks such as the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in the United States establish these protections as critical to the fair treatment and rehabilitation of minors in the justice system. The public release of a juvenile's name and image can infringe on their rights and opportunities for future growth, echoing the idea that the justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than solely punish young individuals.