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:

  1. 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.
  2. Expand intensive support to stop the most vulnerable young people cycling in and out of the justice system.
  3. Expand restorative justice programs to address minor offending in out-of-home care.
  4. Implement a legislative framework for diversion for young people.
  5. Resource diversion programs for children and young people who appear in court across Victoria.
  6. Expand the Central After Hours Assessment and Bail Placement Service.
  7. Expand intensive bail support to regional areas.
  8. Strengthen the dual track system for 18-20 year olds.

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Youth Justice_Strengthening our approach - Election Platform October 2014

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