Children who offend: Understanding and responding to early-onset criminal behaviour

Children who offend: Understanding and responding to early-onset criminal behaviour

Chief Investigator: Dr Catia Malvaso

Funding Amount: $99,895

Recipient: The University of Adelaide

Overview:

Governments and society recognise that children who break societal rules should be held accountable, but also acknowledge that these are vulnerable children who need support and protection. Australian governments are facing increasing pressure to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 in line with the Australian Medical Association’s recommendations. Although raising the age will reduce justice system contact among younger children, it will not necessarily prevent early-onset offending behaviours. This project will advance knowledge by identifying children at-risk for early-onset offending, generate evidence needed to inform the ‘raise the age’ debate, and contribute to youth crime prevention.