Despite the hysteria being whipped up by the Herald Sun & the police association, the new bail law changes that came in on Monday 2nd May will in no way prevent police dealing effectively with youth offenders. Bail breaches have consequences.
We know children and young people getting caught up in the Victorian criminal justice system are some of the states most disadvantaged and vulnerable, many from the poorest parts of Victoria, many having left school early, living in the out of home care system, with a highly disproportionate number being Koori children.
This National Youth Week Youthlaw calls on governments to recognise and address significant barriers that prevent young people across Australia achieving their potential.
High youth unemployment
For the past 10 years youth unemployment has steadily increased. Young people have an unemployment rate that is twice and in some regions, triple the adult rate.
Submissions to the Government’s Discussion Paper “Practical Lessons, fair consequences, Improving Diversion for young people in Victoria” closed on 5th October.
Smart Justice for Young People coordinated a sector response setting out the principles that should underpin a diversion framework for children and young people and making 13 recommendations of how to improve the system .
