College advocacy for youth justice reform changes in Australia
22 Oct 2024
Policy
In October 2024, the College submitted a response to the Australian Senate's inquiry into youth justice reform, advocating for several key measures. These include raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 to align with developmental consensus and international human rights standards.
The College emphasised the need for diversion programs addressing mental health and behavioural needs to prevent youth from entering the justice system, particularly culturally safe, Indigenous-led programmes to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Additionally, the submission advocates for enforceable national minimum standards for youth justice, a ban on harmful practices like spit hoods, and expanded access to mental health services. The College will continue to support the Raise the Age campaign and advocate for youth wellbeing.
More news & views
This week from 27 May to 3 June is National Reconciliation Week.
This document aims to inform psychiatrists about appropriate use of ketamine in psychiatric practice...
The College has recently updated its position statement 80: The role of the psychiatrist in Australi...