South Australia Government Young Offender Plan 2025 - South Australia Government - August 2025
Overview The Salvation Army’s submission to the South Australian Government’s Young Offender Plan 2025 advocates for a transformative, child-centred approach to youth justice. Drawing on extensive frontline experience, the organisation calls for a shift away from punitive measures towards rehabilitative, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate responses.
The submission emphasises the importance of safeguarding, early intervention, and culturally responsive practices, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. It highlights the detrimental impact of incarceration and urges investment in early intervention, prevention and diversionary models.
The Salvation Army presents 14 recommendations aimed at reforming youth justice policy and practice to better support vulnerable children and reduce recidivism.
Key Points:
- Youth-Specific Bail – The current Bail Act lacks provisions for young people. The Salvation Army recommends age-appropriate, non-punitive bail conditions that consider developmental vulnerabilities.
- Raise the Age – The organisation strongly supports raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14, aligning with international human rights standards and developmental evidence.
- Rehabilitation Over Punishment – Harsh sentencing is counterproductive. The submission urges prioritisation of rehabilitation and diversionary models, including restorative justice programmes.
- Early Intervention – Proactive investment in prevention and early support is more effective and cost-efficient than reactive justice responses.
- Beyond Custody – Incarceration is inherently traumatising for children. The submission stresses the need for safe, supported transitions post-release, with access to housing, education, and community connection.
- Individualised Support – Justice responses must be tailored to the unique needs of each child, incorporating psychological and emotional wellbeing.
- Education Access – Disengagement from school is both a risk factor and consequence of youth offending. Investment in alternative and flexible education pathways is essential before, during, and after justice involvement.
- Cultural Inclusion – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children face disproportionate justice involvement. The submission calls for culturally safe, community-led interventions and increased cultural competency across services.