The Role of Social Workers in Providing Counseling to Children Who Commit Acts of Violence Through a Social Welfare and Legal Approach

Abstract

Children are an integral part of society, and their protection therefore needs to address their needs in a comprehensive manner. Protection should not be limited to basic necessities, but should also include their safety, comfort, and well-being. Children need a safe and supportive environment in which they can live, play, and learn. They should not be exposed to conditions that threaten their safety or encourage involvement in criminal acts. Inadequate supervision may increase the risk of children becoming involved in behavior that violates social norms and the law. When a child becomes involved in a criminal act, appropriate assistance is needed from social workers or community probation officers. Such assistance is particularly important during the examination and investigation stages, as children may experience pressure when dealing with legal proceedings that are unfamiliar to them. Assistance at this stage is part of the protection of children's rights and provides support for their recovery and return to everyday life. Social workers have an important role in this process. Their work, however, requires coordination with other relevant institutions so that the best interests of the child can be properly addressed. The fulfillment of children's rights may involve social reintegration and rehabilitation, while punishment should remain a last resort.This study employs a normative juridical method by examining relevant literature, legislation, legal theories, and conceptual approaches. The findings show that social workers have an important role in assisting child perpetrators of violence and in supporting the fulfillment of their rights. They can also contribute to efforts to implement restorative justice and diversion, particularly where these approaches are considered appropriate for the child's circumstances and serve the best interests of the child.