14.04.2026 17:17
A court in Kayseri took a notable step toward reintegrating children into society by deciding, for the first time, that a child involved in a crime would participate in sports and rehabilitation projects instead of being detained.
While studies to be conducted regarding children driven to crime in Turkey maintain their place on the agenda, the decision given by the Kayseri 4th Criminal Court of Peace brought another dimension of solution to the issue.
INSTEAD OF DETENTION MEASURE... In the given decision, regarding a child involved in crime for the first time, instead of a detention measure, it was decided that the child be registered in the ERVA Sports Schools project carried out under the auspices of the Kayseri Governorship and attend the sports schools. At the same time, the decision also included the child's participation in the activities within the scope of the "Sensiz Olmaz" (Cannot Be Without You) Project, which is also carried out under the auspices of the governorship and coordinated by the Kocasinan District Governorship.
THE PROJECT REACHES WIDER MASSES The ERVA Sports Schools Project, implemented to direct youth to sports, continues to reach wider masses every day. The sports schools operating in 66 neighborhoods across Kayseri aim to both increase sporting success and contribute to the physical and personal development of youth by reaching approximately 16,000 licensed athletes.
In Kayseri, after a mother of a youth using drugs grabbed Governor Gökmen Çiçek's collar saying, 'Have you ever seen a mother who prays for her child to die?', thousands of licensed athletes have been raised in the city within the scope of the "We Exist with Our Virtues" (ERVA) Sports Schools Project launched in the city. CHILDREN ARE REINTEGRATED INTO SOCIETY On the other hand, the "Sensiz Olmaz" (Cannot Be Without You) Project is carried out with the aim of preventing children from being driven to crime, protecting individuals at risk, and reintegrating children involved in crime back into society. Within the scope of the project, it is aimed for children to participate more strongly in social life through social, cultural, and educational activities.
CAN SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE This given decision draws attention with its rehabilitation and reintegration-focused approach instead of punishment, and it is considered to be of a quality that can serve as an example for similar situations.