YOUTH JUSTICE IN AUSTRALIA
Youth justice in Australia is a significant challenge, with social, economic, and psychological impacts that affect individuals and communities alike. Our current over-reliance on punitive measures, especially the detention of children, has proven ineffective in addressing the root causes of youth crime. Instead, this approach often entrenches vulnerable young people deeper into the justice system, while also raising concerns about human rights and Australia's international obligations.
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The Australian Youth Justice Action Circle, convened by the Parenting and Family Research Alliance (PAFRA), brings together leading experts in crime prevention, public health, child development, and economics. Together, we advocate for a shift from punitive responses to evidence-based, family- and community-focused prevention. By prioritising proactive support, we can reduce youth crime, prevent reoffending, and ensure young people’s rights are protected. Our approach includes targeted, cost-effective strategies, with resources identified through trusted evidence clearinghouses, to bring real change at a national scale. This preventative model aims to break cycles of disadvantage and build safer, healthier communities for all Australians.
Submission to Senate inquiry into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system
The Australian Youth Justice Action Circle made a submission to the Senate inquiry on Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system on October 10, 2024. The submission advocates for evidence-based, preventative strategies that address the root causes of youth crime, aiming to reduce reliance on detention and promote better outcomes for young Australians, their families, and communities.
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The submission, "A Call for Evidence-based Youth Justice Reform: Prevention and Rehabilitation through Family and Community Support," is listed as submission 136 on the senate inquiry website. It is available for download below.
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Chainey , C., Little, S., Saunders, B., Allen, J., Marchand, S., Toumbourou, J.W., Haslam, D. (2024). A Call for Evidence-based Youth Justice Reform: Prevention and Rehabilitation through Family and Community Support. Senate Inquiry on Australia's Youth Justice and Incarceration System. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Incarceration47/Submissions
