As part of a plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT, the Justice and Community Safety Directorate has released a new report to help the Territory provide better alternatives to custody for children under 14.
Announcing the report, Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury said the independent Review of the service system and implementation requirements for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Australian Capital Territory, identified ways in which the ACT’s current service system could be changed to better meet the needs of children who would be most affected by raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years old to 14 years old.
“The Review proposes a model of wraparound and case management services for children and young people, including appropriate after-hours and crisis accommodation for this age group in the ACT,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“In committing to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, we also recognise the reality that some children and young people can, and do, cause harm to themselves or others,” he said.
“Government must have effective systems in place to support these children and young people, and their families, as well as safeguarding the community, when the age is raised.”
Mr Rattenbury said the Review highlighted the importance of early, coordinated and sustained help for children and their families.
Minister for Families and Community Services, Rachel Stephen-Smith said children involved in criminal behaviour did so because of complex and unmet needs.
“We know that the majority of children and young people who engage in serious harmful behaviours have a background of trauma, disability and/or poor mental health,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“We must ensure that these children and young people are able to access timely and holistic support before, during and after a crisis,” she said.
Minister responsible for Youth Justice, Emma Davidson said the Report provided the ACT with an opportunity to reimagine its entire youth justice system so that children, young people and their families were better supported through early intervention and rehabilitation.
“A robust and integrated support system for children and young people will improve social and justice outcomes across the community,” Ms Davidson said.
“It will be transformational for future generations where all young people can live healthier, safer and happier.”
She said legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT was expected to be introduced next year.
The 102-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
