A juvenile imprisonment sentence is the most severe criminal sanction that can be imposed on juvenile offenders. It is imposed if, considering the circumstances and severity of the offense, the personality traits of the minor and other important circumstances, the purpose of the punishment cannot be achieved by imposing a more lenient sanction. Criminal proceedings against minors are conducted by specialized institutions - juvenile courts and prosecutors for minors. In Croatia, juvenile imprisonments are imposed in an average of 2-3% of cases. To combat the problem of juvenile criminality, it is essential to recognize and understand the criminogenic risks as well as the risk and protective factors. This knowledge is the basis for working with minors at risk. The Institute for Social Work plays important role in all procedures for minors. The Institute's experts are part of the proceedings from the moment the complaint is filed against the minor and even after the minor has carried out the imposed sanction. Social workers use their knowledge and skills to act therapeutically and alleviate the phenomenon of juvenile criminality. Since the judiciary and the social welfare system are sometimes unable to act alone, civil society organizations are protectors in the fight against juvenile criminality. This paper provides an overview of court proceedings against minors and juvenile criminal law as a specialized field. It also outlines the position of juvenile offenders in juvenile prisons and their rights and obligations during and after serving their sentence.