Services from the ACT Human Rights Commission remain available as the ACT moves to lift the age of criminal responsibility. The Commission has services for victims of crime, for anyone harmed by the actions of a child under 14, and services for children and young people.

“On 1 July, the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT will increase to 14 years. From 1 July, children under 14 years will not be criminally responsible for harmful behaviour. The exception is 12 or 13-year-olds who commit exceptionally serious and intentionally violent offences,” said Acting ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner, Margie Rowe.

“If you have been harmed by a child or young person, help is available. People harmed may be eligible for free counselling, financial assistance, and support to access restorative justice and in certain circumstances to make a statement about the harm they have experienced.

ACT Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner, Jodie Griffiths-Cook said: “We also want to reassure Canberrans that raising the age of criminal responsibility is a modest reform, which is backed up by evidence. This reform seeks to address the underlying causes of harmful behaviour by children and young people by identifying and providing the supports they and their families need.

“It is important to remember that we are talking about a small number of children in the ACT who engage in harmful behaviour.

“Children and young people, or families concerned about their child or young person, can contact the ACT Public Advocate,” Ms Griffiths-Cook said.

Contact the ACT Human Rights Commission for services and supports, including Victim Support ACT, and the ACT Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner.

Media contact: 0466 861 451 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au