Is filling juvenile facilities really the right way to curb their deviance?

The Italian justice system has undergone a dramatic transformation over recent years, shifting its approach to juvenile delinquency from rehabilitation-focused measures to a more punitive model. This shift, often referred to as the "Maranza system," has been marked by increasingly strict legal provisions aimed at reducing youth crime through harsher penalties and greater institutionalization. According to reports, the number of minors and young adults incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities has risen sharply, with an average daily population increasing from 382 to 588 between 2022 and 2025. These figures reflect a broader trend of tightening control over youthful misconduct, which some critics argue has led to the marginalization of rehabilitative efforts. This new approach was solidified under the government’s decree Caivano, which introduced several key changes. The procedure for issuing warnings before local police authorities was extended to children aged 12 to 14, while the possibility of holding minors in preventive custody was expanded. Additionally, the severity of punishment increased following escape from community-based programs, and a controversial proposal sought to make individuals aged 14 to 18 directly prosecutable without individualized assessments of maturity, placing this responsibility instead on defense attorneys who can afford such services. These developments have been framed by political leaders as necessary to ensure accountability among adolescents, with one prime minister stating, “those who err must pay, even if they are teenagers.” However, these policies have sparked intense debate within academic and advocacy circles. Decades of research suggest that impulse regulation develops beyond adolescence, and that interventions should focus on identifying alternatives to incarceration rather than resorting to detention. Detention, experts argue, is often the last resort, especially when other support systems are lacking. Critics further point out that labeling young offenders with derogatory terms, such as "Maranza", can reinforce prejudice and stigma, making it harder to engage them in constructive ways. The rise in incarceration rates has raised concerns about the effectiveness of this strategy. With nearly 20,000 minors and young adults currently serving time, and almost 2,000 held in specialized institutions, the system appears to be operating at near capacity. Yet, advocates argue that overcrowding does not necessarily equate to better outcomes. Instead, they emphasize the need for comprehensive support structures that address root causes of delinquency, such as poverty, lack of education, and family dysfunction. A recent book titled Dentro le Mura offers a detailed look into the inner workings of these institutions, guided by jurist Antonella Inverno, who has worked extensively with Save the Children. The book includes interviews with six young people who have entered the system, providing raw insights into their experiences. These accounts reveal environments characterized by isolation, limited opportunities, and systemic neglect. Many describe growing up in neighborhoods that feel like isolated bubbles, where state presence is minimal and negative influences dominate. They speak of peer pressure leading to involvement in criminal activities, despite personal reluctance, and of families struggling with internal conflict and instability. These testimonies underscore the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing youth crime. The authors argue that meaningful recovery begins when both the state and the individual let go of preconceived notions. When prejudice is replaced with genuine engagement, young people begin to see value in their lives and recognize potential for change. This perspective challenges the current punitive framework, suggesting that true progress requires more than just stricter laws, it demands a deeper commitment to supporting youth in their development. As the debate continues, the future of Italy's juvenile justice system remains uncertain. While policymakers push for tougher measures, advocates call for a return to rehabilitative models that prioritize long-term well-being over immediate punishment. Whether the current path will lead to lasting solutions or further alienation remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the conversation surrounding youth crime is far from settled.