This paper studies the interactions of children aged 10 to 13 years years old and the NSW criminal justice system, to inform discussion on the minimum age of criminal responsibility. It presents statistics from 2023 about the number and nature of legal proceedings the NSW Police Force started against children aged 10 to 13 years, the outcomes and penalties imposed by the NSW Children’s Court and the number of children under 14 years of age held in youth detention. 

Karen Freeman and Neil Donnelly, 'The involvement of young people aged 10 to 13 years in the NSW criminal justice system' (2024) 171 Crime and Justice Statistics - Bureau Brief 1

Diversions are options that police can use to prevent people from entering or continuing in the criminal legal system. Law and policy place some conditions on when diversions can be used. Police also have discretion about whether to use diversions. Research shows that diversions are underused for Aboriginal people, especially...

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Karen Freeman and Neil Donnelly, 'The involvement of young people aged 10 to 13 years in the NSW criminal justice system' (2024) 171 Crime and Justice Statistics - Bureau Brief 1

Policing and diversions