Prosecutors help thousands of young offenders return to society

Shanghai prosecutors have helped more than 5,000 young offenders to return to society, Shanghai People's Procuratorate said on Thursday.

The city has become a pioneer in China when it comes to helping out juvenile criminals who committed minor crimes.

In 1993, Changning District People's Procuratorate became the first in the country to name "observers," including officials, teachers and volunteers, to help juvenile criminals to correct their wrongdoings. In 1995, it joined hands with the district's welfare center to establish a "practice center" where juvenile criminals can engage in charity work and attend a variety of activities.

The methods were later emulated in other districts. Since 2011, prosecutors across the city have arranged for 5,133 juvenile criminals to receive help, 99.4 percent of whom have corrected their wrongdoings and returned to normal life.