Adolescentes autores de atos infracionais: Psicologia moral e legislação

Abstract

This article aims to discuss Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA) and Sistema Nacional de Atendimento Socioeducativo (SINASE) which provide for full protection of fundamental rights of children and adolescents. This discussion is based on the perspective of Psychology of Moral Development, especially Piaget' theory and some recent work about social-moral development of young transgressors. It will be emphasized the necessity of changing the assistance to this public, incorporating some ideals like moral autonomy, democracy and interpersonal respect in the routines of the institutions of re-socialization.