commUnity+ is deeply concerned by the Victorian Government’s proposed Adult Time for Violent Crime Bill, which seeks to impose adult sentences – including life imprisonment – on children as young as 14. 

These reforms risk entrenching harm and disadvantage for children and families who need safety, stability and support, not punishment. Evidence shows that trauma-informed, wraparound services focused on healing and recovery are far more effective at addressing the root causes of youth offending. 

commUnity+ urges the Victorian Government to listen to young people, their families and communities and to invest in early intervention and prevention – including access to housing, healthcare, education, and family violence services – particularly in Melbourne’s West, one of the state’s fastest-growing and most under-resourced regions. 

We also call on media outlets to end the harmful, stigmatising coverage of young people and instead promote evidence-based solutions that foster healing, inclusion, and accountability. 

We urge the Victorian Government to abandon the Adult Time for Violent Crime Bill and redirect resources toward programs and policies that keep children safe and communities strong. 

Quotes attributable to Charlotte Stockwell, Interim CEO of commUnity+ 

“Young people who come into contact with the justice system have experienced abuse, neglect, family violence, and systemic failure. Locking them up won’t make our communities safer – supporting them will.” 

“The data is clear – most young people who come into contact with the justice system are victims first.”