Beyond “tough on crime” Preventing youth offending with early support, strong families and connected communities | NAPCAN

Did you know youth crime rates are decreasing in Australia? At the same time, “tough on crime” narratives persist in media and political messaging. Across the country, we’ve seen more punitive policy responses, including tougher penalties, calls to lower the age of criminal responsibility, and increasing numbers of First Nations children in detention despite evidence that incarceration does not promote long-term community safety. This webinar examines the growing disconnect between evidence and policy, and explores what is driving current approaches to youth offending.

It will explore the underlying factors that shape youth crime, including trauma, disconnection and systemic disadvantage, and consider how these are often overlooked in favour of short-term responses. Drawing on research, lived experience and frontline practice, the session will highlight what works to prevent youth offending and support young people to thrive. It will focus on the role of early intervention, mentoring, connection with family and community-based support, and how these approaches can improve outcomes for children while strengthening community safety and wellbeing.

The webinar also considers how dominant narratives shape community perceptions and policy decisions, and how shifting the conversation can support more effective, strengths-based and evidence-informed responses.