This submission is ARACY’s response to the discussion paper regarding raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT.
ARACY supports raising the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) without exception on neurodevelopmental and human rights grounds, but emphasises the need for this legislative change to be coupled with evidence-based services and supports to children who fall below the MACR, and not inadvertently deprive children below the MACR of effective programs and supports.
ARACY emphasises the importance of including the views of children, young people, and their
families who are affected by the youth justice system throughout all stages of development,
implementation, and evaluation through direct consultation. This is consistent with children’s right
to have a say in issues that affect them and is consistent with evidence indicating improved
outcomes when consultation is utilised.
