INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE EU IN LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE PREVENTION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Abstract

The relevance of this topic is related to the rise in juvenile delinquency in Kazakhstan and the need to update the juvenile justice system with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and restorative practices. The national legal framework is characterized by a fragmented prevention strategy, weak institutionalization of restorative approaches, a lack of standardized individual assessment of minors, and insufficient interagency coordination, which reduces the effectiveness of preventive measures. The aim of the study is to identify key legislative principles and institutional mechanisms for the prevention of juvenile delinquency in European Union countries and assess their applicability in the Kazakh context. The methodology is based on a comparative legal analysis of EU directives and recommendations, the practice of the ECHR, national acts, and academic publications from Kazakhstan. It also utilizes doctrinal and case-law analysis, institutional and content analysis, and a functional comparison of the regulatory and organizational elements of the EU and Kazakh systems. The results show that the European model is based on a comprehensive legal framework: supranational standards for child-friendly justice, individual assessment procedures, developed restorative practices (mediation, family conferences), and sustainable interagency collaboration between schools, social services, police, and NGOs. Regulatory and organizational deficiencies in these areas have been identified in Kazakhstan, but there is significant potential for adapting European solutions. The findings emphasize that the implementation of a strategic prevention framework, early intervention mechanisms, restorative justice, and standardized interagency coordination will improve the effectiveness of juvenile delinquency prevention, reduce recidivism, and bring national practices closer to international standards for the protection of children's rights. This will require phased implementation, staff training, and performance monitoring with transparent reporting.