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.
Youthlaw comment on the Royal Commission into Family Violence Report (released 1 April 2016)
We congratulate the Commission on their report. It is comprehensive, very practical and has the potential to significantly change the lives of children and young people in Victoria.
