New figures show NSW children are being ‘criminalised for their disadvantage’, advocate says
More than half the 10- to 13-year-olds who faced court had been a victim of violence and about a third had accessed homelessness services, report findsGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastChildren aged 10 to 13 facing criminal penalties in New South Wales are “overwhelmingly” from disadvantaged backgrounds and disproportionately Indigenous, according to a new report.It comes amid debate over the minimum age of criminal responsibility, after the Victorian government reneged on a commitment to raise the age from 12 to 14. In NSW, children as young as 10 can be charged, convicted and incarcerated.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/14/nsw-crime-figures-disadvantaged-poor-backgrounds-bocsar
Children aged 10 to 13 in New South Wales facing criminal penalties are predominantly from disadvantaged backgrounds and disproportionately Indigenous, as highlighted by a recent report. The current system leads to children being criminalized instead of receiving needed support. Statistics show that a significant number of young people end up in custody, even though the charges are often withdrawn or result in acquittal. The data underscores the urgent need to reconsider the minimum age of criminal responsibility and invest in community-driven solutions.