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Terms of Reference for Technical Consultant

Juvenile Justice Legislative Reform

1. Background

The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) has a legislative responsibility to

promote, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the

Child (CRC) in Belize. The NCFC does this work through coordination and planning with

key stakeholders and implementers.

In 2013, the NCFC began to focus its work on three strategic areas; Child Protection,

Parenting and Juvenile Justice. In all areas where applicable the NCFC is actively

promoting legislative change or amendments where needed.

In the area of Juvenile Justice, Belize does have domestic standards relating to the treatment

of Juvenile Offenders, however, there are still some shortcomings that require attention.

The NCFC, in particular is concerned about the lack of specific legislation for children to

remain in contact with their families whilst in the juvenile justice system, overcrowding in

detention facilities, the holding of children in adult detention facilities and lack of solid data

on the number of children in the juvenile justice system. To this end, the NCFC, in

collaboration with key partners is in the process of developing proposals for legislative

reform; this process started in 2007 and we hope that the recommendations that we are

proposing for change encompass the wide range of issues that face Juvenile Offenders in

Belize.

“Championing the Rights, Welfare and Development of Belizean Families and Children”

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2. Scope of Work

The Consultant will be hired to finalize a comprehensive policy paper setting out the reasons

for juvenile justice reform and the outcomes that the new law intends to achieve. Based on

wide consultation session that will take place in April, the consultant will be required to

develop the comprehensive policy paper that will include a model budget and

implementation plan for the proposed legislation. This policy paper will highlight that

legislative reform in the area of juvenile justice must include consideration of policy, budget,

human resources, institutional capacity, professional practice, implementation planning and

where appropriate transitional arrangements.

The policy paper will provide estimated costs associated with processing, transporting and

detaining children arriving at each stage of the juvenile justice system in Belize. The policy

paper developed by the consultant will be reviewed by the NCFC Policy and Legislative

Reform Subcommittee. Ultimately the policy paper should also clearly set out the intended

aims and objectives of the new law and what action will need to be taken to implement the

new law fully.

3. Timeline

This consultancy will span over 2 months (April-May 2014)

4. Qualifications

Good knowledge of the juvenile justice system in Belize

Sound understanding of human rights-based approaches, specifically the

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

Facilitation skills

Excellent analytical and communication skills

Demonstrated writing skills in English

Advanced technical knowledge of theories, principles and methods in the

following:

Belizean law as it relates to the protection of children

Juvenile justice systems

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Law Degree with experience in Human Rights, or Post-graduate degree in any of

the social sciences with strong grasp of human rights.

Interested applicants can send applications via email to lcayetano@ncfc.org.bz or by mail to

62 Cleghorn Street, Belize City, Belize. Please address all applications to the attention of the

Executive Director. For Further information please call 223-1180.

The application deadline is March 14th, 2014, 4:00pm