RANZCP homepage
Date
14 October 2024
Organised by
RANZCP SA BranchDelivery
Online
In Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years of age. There are moves to have this increased, and some states and territories are committing to increase this to 12 or 14 years. Young people between the ages of 10 and 14 are at a stage of significant neurodevelopment, including but not limited to decision making and appreciating the consequences for their actions. Furthermore, this age group is at risk of developing significant mental health issues. This is compounded by a trajectory within the juvenile justice system. Both professionals and community members need to appreciate the implications should the age not be increased, but also the benefits of increasing the age.
There is clear evidence that the age of criminal responsibility should be increased to 14. Should this be the case, those aged between 10 to 14 years’ have the right to have unmet needs addressed in addressing there needs by services in environments that are safe, predictable, and consistent and culturally enriched. Raising the age of criminal responsibility needs to consider meeting the needs of vulnerable young people to enhance their capacity and opportunity during their formative years. This includes addressing any educational, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and mental health needs. Furthermore, we need to consider the economic argument of incarceration versus therapeutic interventions.
This panel discussion is for clinicians, consumers, carers, mental health advocates and those working with young people who have or are at risk of encountering the criminal justice system. The panel will discuss the importance and implications of raising the age of criminal responsibility. This will address neurodevelopmental considerations, the implications for those in child protection, cultural consideration as well as the yield on return on investment in young people with such adversity.
Speakers
Dr Marshall Watson
Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist
Marshall Watson is a descendent of the Noongar People of Southwest WA and dual trained in both Child and Adolescent and Forensic psychiatry. He is a consultant psychiatrist with Queensland Forensic CYMHS and works in Emergency Psychiatry at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide SA. He is involved in Research with the University of Queensland and Western Australia that relates broadly to addressing the needs of young people in custody and addressing cultural safety for Indigenous young people in mental health services.
Marshall Watson is a descendent of the Noongar People of Southwest WA and dual trained in both Child and Adolescent and Forensic psychiatry. He is a consultant psychiatrist with Queensland Forensic CYMHS and works in Emergency Psychiatry at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide SA. He is involved in Research with the University of Queensland and Western Australia that relates broadly to addressing the needs of young people in custody and addressing cultural safety for Indigenous young people in mental health services.
Ms Shona Reid
South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People
Eastern Arrernte woman Shona Reid is South Australia’s Guardian for Children and Young People and Training Centre Visitor. Shona is appointed to promote and advocate for the rights of children and young people in care and youth detention. With over 15 years’ experience working across the child protection, young offending and the out-of-home care sector, she has devoted her knowledge, experience, professional and personal life to the advancement and rights of Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
Eastern Arrernte woman Shona Reid is South Australia’s Guardian for Children and Young People and Training Centre Visitor. Shona is appointed to promote and advocate for the rights of children and young people in care and youth detention. With over 15 years’ experience working across the child protection, young offending and the out-of-home care sector, she has devoted her knowledge, experience, professional and personal life to the advancement and rights of Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
Ms Marie Shaw KC
Barrister
Law trailblazer Marie Shaw KC is often described as hardworking and driven by a desire to help the less fortunate. She's seen countless children in court following a trail of neglect and dysfunction and realised she could help disadvantaged young people after witnessing the positive impact sport had on her dyslexic daughter.
Marie helped set up the Ice Factor program at Thebarton Ice Arena in 2005 where thousands of at-risk high school students have taken part in learning team values and building their self-esteem. The program has helped many avoid homelessness, drug addiction and crime.
In 2017, Marie supported two ex-students to set up the first Indigenous ice hockey team – the Kaurna Boomerangs. The team has since travelled across Australia and internationally.
From a remote country town, Marie has fought her way to the top of her field. In her professional work as a senior criminal barrister, Marie also works pro bono and provides work experience opportunities for legal students.
Law trailblazer Marie Shaw KC is often described as hardworking and driven by a desire to help the less fortunate. She's seen countless children in court following a trail of neglect and dysfunction and realised she could help disadvantaged young people after witnessing the positive impact sport had on her dyslexic daughter.
Marie helped set up the Ice Factor program at Thebarton Ice Arena in 2005 where thousands of at-risk high school students have taken part in learning team values and building their self-esteem. The program has helped many avoid homelessness, drug addiction and crime.
In 2017, Marie supported two ex-students to set up the first Indigenous ice hockey team – the Kaurna Boomerangs. The team has since travelled across Australia and internationally.
From a remote country town, Marie has fought her way to the top of her field. In her professional work as a senior criminal barrister, Marie also works pro bono and provides work experience opportunities for legal students.
Ashum Owen
CEO, Wakwakurna Kanyini
Ashum is a proud Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga woman. Ashum is a Flinders University law and psychology graduate who has practiced in the areas of family law, child protection and domestic and family violence. Ashum previously worked as a Principal Policy Advisor for the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People before her appointment as CEO at the newly established Aboriginal Community Controlled peak organisation, Wakwakurna Kanyini. Ashum is passionate about equitable justice, and self-determination for Aboriginal people and communities, and protecting and supporting strong cultural identities for Aboriginal children and young people.
Ashum is a proud Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga woman. Ashum is a Flinders University law and psychology graduate who has practiced in the areas of family law, child protection and domestic and family violence. Ashum previously worked as a Principal Policy Advisor for the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People before her appointment as CEO at the newly established Aboriginal Community Controlled peak organisation, Wakwakurna Kanyini. Ashum is passionate about equitable justice, and self-determination for Aboriginal people and communities, and protecting and supporting strong cultural identities for Aboriginal children and young people.
Contact
Please contact SA Branch Staff if you have any questions.
Email: ranzcp.sa@ranzcp.org
Phone: 08 8219 4200
Disclaimer
This session is a Member benefit of the RANZCP and for educational purposes only. The information may represent views of the author and not necessarily the views of the College. Information is subject to change and the College does not warrant that the information is current at the time of viewing and accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by you or a patient directly or indirectly as a result of relying on information provided and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing e-learning sessions you also agree to the RANZCP Website Terms of Use Agreement.
