2024 Barton Pope Lecture

In Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years of age. There are moves to have this increased, and some states and territories are committing to increase this to 12 or 14 years. Young people between the ages of 10 and 14 are at a stage of significant neurodevelopment, including but not limited to decision making and appreciating the consequences for their actions. Furthermore, this age group is at risk of developing significant mental health issues. This is compounded by a trajectory within the juvenile justice system. Both professionals and community members need to appreciate the implications should the age not be increased, but also the benefits of increasing the age.

There is clear evidence that the age of criminal responsibility should be increased to 14. Should this be the case, those aged between 10 to 14 years’ have the right to have unmet needs addressed in addressing there needs by services in environments that are safe, predictable, and consistent and culturally enriched. Raising the age of criminal responsibility needs to consider meeting the needs of vulnerable young people to enhance their capacity and opportunity during their formative years. This includes addressing any educational, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and mental health needs. Furthermore, we need to consider the economic argument of incarceration versus therapeutic interventions.

This panel discussion is for clinicians, consumers, carers, mental health advocates and those working with young people who have or are at risk of encountering the criminal justice system. The panel will discuss the importance and implications of raising the age of criminal responsibility. This will address neurodevelopmental considerations, the implications for those in child protection, cultural consideration as well as the yield on return on investment in young people with such adversity.

Panel Members

• Dr Marshall Watson, Child & Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist & Moderator
• Ms Shona Reid, South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People
• Ms Marie Shaw KC, Barrister
• Ms April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in South Australia

Registration

This is a free event. There are two registration types for this event. 

Members

If you are a member you can register via the link below

Register now

General public

For all general public please register via the link below

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RSVP by Tuesday 8 October 2024

Directions

A Zoom Webinar link will be sent to attendees after registration closes.

Contact

Please contact SA Branch Staff if you have any questions.

Email: ranzcp.sa@ranzcp.org

Phone: 08 8219 4200