While Poland makes clear distinctions between the goals and sanctions used in the handling of juvenile and adult offenders, emphasizing rehabilitative interventions for the former and severe sanctions for the latter, England has moved away from distinctions between the two groups, with an increasing tendency to use custodial dispositions. In both countries, historical, cultural, religious, and political differences all appear to have played a part in this process. Public opinion, the role of media, and the relationship between the judiciary and the State have had varying degrees of influence on sentencing policies in both countries. In spite of differences in attitudes toward young offenders, both countries have high proportions of young people in institutions of various kinds, suggesting that the liberal family and child-centered approach to delinquency in Poland may have resulted in net-widening. 1 note. (Author abstract modified)