NCJ Number
140934
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (July-August 1992) Pages: 5-7
Editor(s)
A Grant,
M Thompson
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In Queensland, Australia, a major restructuring of the Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs in 1990 created a new program structure and placed renewed emphasis on the importance of juvenile justice service delivery. Juvenile Justice is a subdivision of the Department's Division of Protective Services and Juvenile Justice.
Abstract
Police cautioning is the preferred method for dealing with juvenile offenders between the ages of 10 and 17. For juveniles who are prosecuted, the courts usually impose one of several sentencing options including admonishment and dismissal, fine, supervision order, care and control order, and restitution/compensation. The Children's Court has sole jurisdiction over matters involving simple offenses but has no jurisdiction when a young offender is accused of a crime which carries a maximum life sentence. The Queensland government has endorsed a Juvenile Crime Strategy, comprised of a major crime prevention initiative and legislative reform. The key features of the Juvenile Justice Bill, to be considered shortly by the Parliament are precourt diversion, alternatives to arrest, an extended range of sentencing options, and increased jurisdiction for the Children's Court through creation of the position of Children's Court Judge. The legislation would establish an exclusive sentencing code for young offenders in which the penalties available under other criminal statutes could never be applied to juveniles.