Improving child-friendly proceedings for juveniles in Vietnam in the implementation of the 2025 Law on Juvenile Justice

This study examines international standards on child-friendly proceedings for juveniles, reviews selected international experience, and evaluates Vietnam’s legal framework and implementation practices in the context of the 2025 Law on Juvenile Justice. Using legal analysis, comparative law, document synthesis, and judicial data, the study finds that Vietnam has made substantial progress in incorporating international principles concerning children’s best interests, restorative justice, diversion, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. However, implementation remains constrained by inconsistent institutional arrangements, shortages of personnel trained in child psychology and social work, and weak inter-agency coordination. The study recommends issuing detailed implementation guidance, strengthening specialized training, improving the Family and Juvenile Court model, enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, piloting the Barnahus model, and developing a national juvenile justice database.