Enrique López

Civil servant
Work Area
Government
Role
Diagrama Staff
Location
Murcia
About
Enrique López, a civil servant with 32 years of experience in juvenile delinquency and a PhD in psychology specializing in criminal behavior, discusses the administration's role in executing measures for juvenile offenders. The administration contracts foundations or NGOs to carry out these measures due to insufficient resources. The discussion also involves the creation of centers and work in closed and street environments for children, in line with international legislation.
Quotes
  • "Children are children and obviously, they have to be treated as children."
  • "The best interest of the child, that is, what is in the child's interest? What does the child need?"
  • "It's about combining a bit of control with the educational, affective, and attentive part. Just as with our own child we would also do that."
  • Diagrama Focus

    Enrique López discusses how the Diagrama model has transformed the way youth justice is managed, particularly in its approach to individualized care and community reintegration. With over three decades of experience, Enrique emphasizes that Diagrama’s approach focuses on education, personal responsibility, and psychological support, rather than simply detaining young offenders. He highlights that the key to Diagrama’s success is its investment in well-trained staff who act as mentors rather than enforcers, creating an environment where young people can develop the skills and confidence needed to reintegrate successfully into society. He notes that the model’s success in reducing recidivism is proof that rehabilitation works when given the right structure and support.

    Key points
  • Enrique has spent 32 years working with juvenile delinquents as a civil servant, navigating various laws and policies related to youth justice.
  • He holds a PhD in psychology, specializing in criminal behavior and child engagement, which has shaped his work in youth rehabilitation.
  • He highlights the collaboration between governmental bodies and NGOs in executing court-mandated rehabilitation measures.
  • Enrique discusses the shift in youth justice laws over the past 25 years, emphasizing the need for models aligned with international human rights standards.