Description
Young people aged between 15 and 19 years commit three times more offences than any other members of the Australian population. Certain types of offences are committed disproportionately by young people; juveniles are more likely than adults to come to the attention of police, for a variety of reasons. Compared to adults, young people are also more at risk of a range of problems conducive to offending, including mental health problems, alcohol and other drug use, and peer pressure due to their immaturity and reliance on peer networks. What makes juvenile offenders different from adult offenders? When should children be responsible for their crimes? What kinds of diversionary measures are available to keep young offenders from detention and reduce the likelihood of re-offending into adulthood?
This book presents the latest statistics on young offenders. It also provides an overview of the juvenile justice system in Australia, including current trends in the detention and diversion of young offenders.
Chapter 1: Crime and young people
Chapter 2: Young offenders and the criminal justice system
Worksheets and activities; Fast facts; Glossary; Web links; Index
