CSSA supports raising minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has urged Attorneys General in all Australian jurisdictions to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years. The organization also supports implementing enforceable national minimum standards to protect vulnerable children and young people.

These recommendations follow a final report from the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee regarding Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system. CSSA CEO Dr. Jerry Nockles stated that the justice system should focus on restorative processes, reparation, and reconciliation rather than just punishment. He noted that the organization's network of social service providers works in every state and territory to support families and young people interacting with the justice system.