Summary

People between the ages of 15 and 19 years are more likely to be apprehended by police for a crime than any other population group. The offending rate for 15-19 year olds is four times the offender rate for the remainder of the population. What is the age of criminal responsibility, and how are the mostly minor offences by young people dealt with in the justice system? The juvenile justice system in Australia favours diversion of young people away from the formal criminal justice system, in order to reduce re-offending and detention. What are the risk and protective factors associated with criminal behaviour in young people? The book explores the extent and causes of juvenile crime; the juvenile justice process in Australia; and approaches to young people and crime prevention. Chapter 1: Causes and Extent of Juvenile Crime Chapter 2: Juveniles and the Criminal Justice System Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index