YEREVAN. – Armenia’s law enforcement agencies and the courts wish to set up alternative sentencing for young offenders, Police Force representative, Police Colonel Nelli Duryan stated during a press conference on Friday.

In her words, only a small number of juvenile delinquents is placed in Armenia’s prisons, and these are those minors who have committed serious crimes.    

As per the Police Colonel, the alternative sentencing envisions an early parole, but the young person is kept under a record and supervision, and his/her employment issue is solved. But there are very few girls among such young offenders.   

Also, there is a large number of homeless children. The Police Force is dealing with such adolescents, and, if necessary, it is handing them to children’s institutions.   

In 2011, 169 cases of violence against minors were recorded in Armenia, and 527 youngsters were involved in crimes.