The Scottish system of juvenile justice has followed a different trajectory than other parts of Europe and the United States. Penal-welfare values have continued to dominate all aspects of policy and practice even though there has been significant shifts in the nature and function of penality in other jurisdictions due to social and cultural processes. This has occurred because of the enduring strength and influence of policy networks in Scotland, the distinctive character of Scottish civic culture, and the small-scale nature of the system. 13 footnotes, 57 references