NSW announces major change to youth crime laws
New laws aimed at preventing children’s offending escalating into more serious crimes will be brought in NSW.
The state will bring in laws aimed at intervening with young people before their offending escalates into more serious crimes through diversion options.
These include formal cautions or youth justice conferences, which can link children to behaviour change programs or drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.NSW Premier Chris Minns said the changes were “designed to stop a pattern of behaviour before it becomes entrenched”.
“These reforms are about stepping in earlier, giving police and the courts clearer tools, and making sure young people who are putting themselves and others at risk don’t simply fall through the cracks,” Mr Minns said.
“For too long, the system has left a gap where some children were offending without any real consequence, support or intervention. That isn’t good for those young people and it certainly isn’t good for the community.”
Tuesday’s announcement follows Victoria and Queensland’s commitment to “adult crime, adult time” legislation.
More to come …
Originally published as NSW announces major change to youth crime laws
