Everyday Law – Juvenile Crime

Fact Sheet Research Activity

Task – You are to research and prepare a fact sheet targeted at teenagers on the topic of
Juvenile Crime. Your aim is to inform youth around this issue. You will need to use the websites
listed beneath each question or alternatively you may wish to conduct your own research.

(Fact Sheet can be in the form of brochure, booklet or other suitable medium.)

Sample Brochure link - https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/youthjustice/brochure-

youth-justice-law-what-it-means-for-me.pdf

At a minimum, you need to answer the following questions and include in your Fact Sheet.

1. What are some of common characteristics of young offenders that can lead to a life of crime? (i.e.
causes of youth crime)
https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/For%20professionals/policy/minimum-age-
criminal-responsibility.pdf

2. What are some examples of crimes committed by youths? (types of offences)

https://aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi409

3. Explain the link between the developing brain of a teenager (cognitive ability) and Youth Crime.
https://www.balancedjustice.org/uploads/1/3/1/0/13108841/youth_justice_in_queensland_-
_balanced_justice_final_27jan15.pdf

4. Are young people becoming more dangerous?

http://www.justiceaction.org.au/beyond-bars-youth-crime

5. Who is at risk of being a victim of crime?

http://www.justiceaction.org.au/beyond-bars-youth-crime

6. Will ‘tougher’ penalties for young offenders decrease crime?

http://www.justiceaction.org.au/beyond-bars-youth-crime

7. Are youth gangs a problem in Australia?

http://www.justiceaction.org.au/beyond-bars-youth-crime

8. Why are so many young Aboriginal people in custody?

https://www.balancedjustice.org/uploads/1/3/1/0/13108841/_indigenous_overrepresentation_
in_prisons.pdf

9. Find 5 credible statistics of interest on juvenile crime in and explain in a paragraph what this evidence
demonstrates about the current state of affairs of Youth Crime and Youth Justice in Qld.
#see weebly – Youth Pocket Statistics document and use below link

https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/44965476-f6ef-4b30-8f3f-24e585e1d67d/YJA-2015-16-QLD.pdf.aspx

10. Outline the recent law change for minors (17 year olds) to not be tried as adults in Queensland?
https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/youthjustice/inclusion-17-year-olds-youth-justice-system

11. Rates of juvenile crime are rising in Queensland!

Explain the myths surrounding this statement and provide evidence to support your explanation.
 https://www.balancedjustice.org/uploads/1/3/1/0/13108841/final_-
_busting_the_myths__the_facts_about_addressing_youth_offending_-_part_2.pdf

https://www.balancedjustice.org/uploads/1/3/1/0/13108841/call_to_parties_on_youth_justice_bj
_2017_final.pdf

12. Identify 5 facts about what is known about Youth Crime in Qld and explain what measures could
be put in place to effectively reduce Youth offending behaviour ?

https://www.balancedjustice.org/uploads/1/3/1/0/13108841/final_-
_busting_the_myths__the_facts_about_addressing_youth_offending_-_part_2.pdf

13. Bibliography