THE IMPACT OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR CLASSIFICATION ON CORRECTIONAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES

Special correctional education serves as a unique intervention for delinquent behavior, with distinct attributes that differentiate it from special education framed as a "punitive measure with protective purpose." The newly revised Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency does not clearly distinguish between "delinquent behavior" and "public order offenses," and lacks provisions for hierarchical prevention. To enhance the effectiveness of special correctional education, it is necessary to establish a classification system for application criteria, build independently designated schools, design diverse and dynamic disposition measures, refine decision rules for applying measures, and develop comprehensive correctional content. These reforms aim to address the challenge of releasing delinquent youth without appropriate follow-up, while achieving the objectives of rehabilitating minors, reinstating victims’ rights, and restoring social order.