Did you know that in Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years of age? This means children under the age of 10 cannot be held criminally responsible and cannot be charged with a criminal offence.
The appropriate age of criminal responsibility – and what strategies and responses might be used instead of the criminal justice system for those under that age – is a subject of great debate across Australia. Here in South Australia the government is currently considering an alternative diversion model which would raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) to 12.
Many organisations believe the age of criminal responsibility should be increased to 14 and we need to better meet the needs of vulnerable young people during their formative years.
Please join our panel of experts as they discuss issues surrounding raising the age of criminal responsibility, including:
Dr Marshall Watson, Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist, on children’s neurodevelopment, including decision-making and appreciating the consequences for their actions, and risk of developing significant mental health issues.
Ms Shona Reid, South Australian Guardian for Children & Young People, on the overlap between young people in and out of home care and the justice system, and how protection considerations would be different if the age of criminal responsibility was raised to 14.
Ms Marie Shaw KC, Barrister and former Judge of the District Court, on the legal perspective on raising the age and the Law Society of South Australia’s perspective.
Ms April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children & Young People, on the cultural considerations and implications of raising the age of criminal responsibility for Indigenous young people.
We encourage consumers, carers, mental health advocates, clinicians and those working with young people who have or are at risk of encountering the criminal justice system to come along and participate in this important conversation.
Monday 14 October 2024
U City Function Centre, 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide
6.30pm
RSVP: 4 October 2024
Click here to register to attend.
