Development of Laws and Cooperation Between the Public and Private Sectors in Preventing and Solving Problems Repeat Offenses of Children And Youth in Drug Cases

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are: 1) to study problems and propose legal resolution guidelines related to cooperation between the public and private sectors in preventing and resolving the recidivism of children and youth involved in drug cases after their release; and 2) to develop legal cooperation between the public and private sectors to prevent and resolve the mentioned problems. The study employed a qualitative research design and utilized tools for data collection, including document analysis, in-depth interviews with 31 individuals, and a focus group with 18 participants. The data was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The research results indicated that the problems of legal cooperation development between the public and private sectors were as follows: 1) the correction and rehabilitation of children and youth offenders has not yet addressed other related public and private agencies involving. 2) the responsibility of parents or guardians in cases of repeated drug offenses. 3) an establishment of a legal memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the public and private sectors. Given the aforementioned issues, it is necessary to amend the Administration of Juvenile Offenders Rehabilitation Act (B.E. 2561) as follows: 1) In Section 5, the number of committees for the administration of correction and rehabilitation of children and youth offenders should be increased to 26 organizations. 2) The penalties in the Narcotics Code, Section 164/1, should be increased, stipulating that parents or guardians must be liable if they neglect their children and youth to commit drug-related offenses, especially in cases of repeated offenses, the parents must be jailed, fined, or both. 3) To establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government sectors, private sectors, and relevant agencies, totaling 26 organizations. The MOU aims to jointly support and encourage children and youth to enter the justice process at the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center and the Children and Youth Training Center. Moreover, it aims to foster cooperation in drug treatment, drug prevention, budgeting, vocational development, employment, education, public health, mental health development, or support for other relevant areas as appropriate.