In Georgia, almost 3.5 million GEL was allocated to a closed center for children aged 10-14. Human rights activists call it a "prison for children".
Until the end of 2026, the Georgian authorities plan to spend 3,445,000 GEL on the establishment and operation of the center for the rehabilitation and support of minors in violation of the law.
We are talking about an institution for children from the age of 10 to 14 who have committed illegal acts, but have not yet reached the age of criminal responsibility.
It is the closed nature of the institution that has caused severe criticism from child psychologists, social workers and human rights activists.
Why did you create such a center?
The authorities explain the decision by the increasing number of offenses among children under 14 years of age.
According to the Georgian legislation, criminal responsibility starts from the age of 14. Until this age, a child cannot be held criminally responsible, even if he has committed an act stipulated in the criminal law.
The authors of the law believe that the state needs a special mechanism to work with such children.
According to the adopted law, the prosecutor can refer a minor to a center where experts will assess his needs and develop an individual rehabilitation plan.
If after the end of the program the need continues, the claimant can turn to the court. According to the judge's decision, the child can be sent to a special closed institution.
At the same time, parents or legal representatives who refuse to cooperate with the center or comply with the requirements of the program may be exposed to administrative liability.
Where will the money go?
On October 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobkidze agreed on the center's budget, personnel and salary fund.
The institution has 139 employees, whose wages were allocated 719 thousand GEL in 2026.
Monthly salaries of the management:
The chairman of the center - 10,000 NIS.
First lieutenant - 8,900 GEL.
Deputy - 8,400 GEL.
According to the staffing table, the center provides.