Children should have every opportunity to thrive — with care, in their communities
The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) is deeply concerned at the Victorian Government’s decision to pursue excessively punitive laws for children.
“The smarter investment is in prevention, education and community support, not in our legal system mistaking children for adults and locking them up for life.”
BSL is deeply concerned by the Victorian Government’s pursuit of excessively punitive and harsh laws for children. Under the proposed reforms, children as young as 14 could face life sentences in prison. This approach will entrench disadvantage and fail to deliver long-term safety.
BSL Executive Director Dr Travers McLeod said youth policy and criminal justice reform must be informed by evidence and empathy.
“While community safety is paramount, incarceration is enormously expensive, costing billions each year without delivering safer communities.”
“There is no shortage of evidence-based responses to youth crime that take place outside the walls of prisons. Prisons don’t help children build a future — they create and compound disadvantage.”
“The smarter investment is in prevention, education and community support, not in our legal system mistaking children for adults and locking them up for life.”
“Children need opportunities to remain engaged in school, training and work, alongside clinical and therapeutic support. This is how we prevent crime and improve community safety. The criminal justice system should not be the default response to serious and multiple disadvantage.”
“The Victorian Government outlines a commendable vision in the Social Cohesion – Victorian Values Statement . We encourage conviction to this statement: building opportunity and supporting children with the resources they need to thrive is the key to crime prevention,” Dr McLeod said.
BSL joins other community organisations in expressing deep concern of the disproportionate impact these youth justice policies will have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and supports the advocacy of the Smart Justice for Young People coalition to denounce the Victorian Government ’s ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ initiative.
Media contact
Scott Carbines, BSL Media & Communications Manager
media@bsl.org.au
0447 114 541