Article 53 — Special Provisions Applicable to Young Persons.

(1) Where a crime is committed by young persons between the ages of nine and fifteen years, the penalties and measures to be imposed by the courts shall be only those provided in Articles 157-168 of this Code. Young persons shall not be subject to the ordinary penalties applicable to adults nor shall they be kept in custody with adult criminals. (2) The provisions of Articles 158-168 of this Code shall not apply unless the criminal is convicted. However, where the young person is irresponsible, the provisions of Articles 129-133 shall apply.