A study led by Curtin University and published in The Lancet Public Health found that young people in Australia who have contact with the youth justice system are more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes. The study examined 48,670 young people in Queensland between 1993 and 2017 and found that they were 4.2 times more likely to die prematurely than their peers in the community. The most common causes of death were suicide, traffic accidents, and drug poisoning. Lead researcher Stuart Kinner, who is the head of the Justice Health Group at Curtin University, noted that most deaths occurred before the age of 25 and that severe and prolonged contact with the criminal justice system was a risk factor for premature death.
The study also found that the likelihood of premature death was higher for young people who had been subjected to community supervision or spent time in youth detention. Those who had only been charged with an offence had a 30% higher likelihood of premature death, while those who had been in youth detention had a 90% higher likelihood. Researchers emphasized the need to support young people who have had contact with the youth justice system, as they may have difficult family relationships and are at increased risk of homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorder, and risk-taking behaviours, making them particularly vulnerable.
Despite research showing poor outcomes for young people in contact with the justice system, the state government in Queensland is implementing harsher measures to punish young offenders. More than a dozen new offences will be added to ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws, which means that young offenders could face harsher penalties and longer periods of detention. This approach raises concerns about the impact on the mental health and well-being of young people who have contact with the justice system, as they are already at a higher risk of premature death and face numerous challenges in their lives.
The study highlights the urgent need for support and intervention for young people in contact with the youth justice system to address the underlying issues that contribute to their involvement in crime. Providing access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, stable housing, and support with education and employment opportunities can help reduce the risk of premature death and improve outcomes for these young people. It is crucial for policymakers to prioritize interventions that address the root causes of youth offending and provide support to prevent further involvement in the justice system.
By focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies, policymakers and service providers can work together to create a support system that helps young people in contact with the youth justice system build a positive future for themselves. This approach requires a shift towards a more holistic and compassionate response to youth offending, which focuses on addressing the underlying social determinants that contribute to criminal behavior. By investing in prevention and support programs, policymakers can help break the cycle of disadvantage and incarceration for young people, leading to better outcomes for both individuals and the community as a whole.
In conclusion, the research on premature death among young people in contact with the youth justice system underscores the importance of providing support and intervention to address the complex issues they face. By investing in programs that focus on prevention, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and education, policymakers can help young people overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future for themselves. It is crucial for policymakers to prioritize the well-being of young people and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that enables them to thrive and reach their full potential.
