Abstract: An effective juvenile justice system attempts to hold the young offender accountable, ensure the safety of the community whilst time enabling the young offender to become capable, productive and responsible citizens. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role and significance the juvenile justice system plays in rehabilitating and reintegrating young offenders. The study was qualitative in nature with in depth interviews and thematic analysis used to collect and analyse the data. The study revealed that diversion programmes had helped to effectively reduce reoffending. The study recommends that youth development centres collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reintegrate young offenders back into school.