The Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act 75 of 2008) (hereinafter referred to in this part as ‘the Act’), effective as from 1 April 2010, provides for a criminal justice system that takes account of the vulnerability and special needs of children. The intention is for children in conflict with the law to be diverted from the criminal justice system when appropriate and for children not diverted to be dealt with in child justice courts. Children are to benefit from interventions, programmes and sentencing options aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration in order to minimise the potential for re-offending whilst ensuring their responsibility and accountability for crimes committed.