This paper identifies eight initiatives to improve the Victorian youth justice system, with a focus on opportunities to intervene and divert vulnerable children and young people from the justice system.
The paper calls on the next Victorian Government to:
- Raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years old to 12 years old and put in place approaches to support at-risk and vulnerable children below this age.
- Expand intensive support to stop the most vulnerable young people cycling in and out of the justice system.
- Expand restorative justice programs to address minor offending in out-of-home care.
- Implement a legislative framework for diversion for young people.
- Resource diversion programs for children and young people who appear in court across Victoria.
- Expand the Central After Hours Assessment and Bail Placement Service.
- Expand intensive bail support to regional areas.
- Strengthen the dual track system for 18-20 year olds.
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- Download our Election Platform: Youth Justice: Strengthening our approach
