The juvenile criminal justice system in Italy uses means other than incarceration to re-socialize young delinquents, integrating other types of sentencing that take the personal characteristics of the subject into account and strive to preserve his/her freedom. The juvenile is no longer seen only as an object of protection, but as someone with subjective rights, including the right to regular psycho-social growth. This system is based on four guidelines: the specialization and diversification of justice bodies, a strong educational focus during each phase of proceedings, mitigation of segregating measures, diversion and quick exit from the criminal system. Under this latter aspect, two reasons exist for qualifying the criminal response toward juveniles as a residual solution: on one side, limiting the unavoidable labeling effects and, on the other, facing the need to individualize the criminal response.