1. “Championing the Rights, Welfare and Development of Belizean Families and Children”
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.
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2. 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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3. 
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
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