Status:
Ongoing

Activity details

The expert Therapeutic Support Panel for Children and Young People (the Panel) helps guide and coordinate therapeutic responses for children and young people who are involved in risky or harmful behaviour. It focuses on addressing the root causes of that behaviour by providing early, culturally safe, and trauma-informed support. 

This approach reduces the likelihood of children entering or remaining in the justice system and limits their time in contact with police. In addition to providing direct support for children and young people, the Panel is also designed to have a systemic role in driving reforms to strengthen therapeutic responses for children and young people.

Implementation progress update

The ACT Government will raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years on 1 July 2025, making it the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so. 

The cornerstone of these reforms has been the establishment of the Therapeutic Support Panel which commenced operations in late March 2024. The Panel consists of a multi-disciplinary team of experts and is chaired by an independent statutory office holder. Its purpose is to facilitate therapeutic supports for children and young people engaging in or at risk of harmful behaviours that have been referred to the Panel in addition to identifying broader systemic issues affecting the service system.  

The Panel published its first report in December 2024, which identified emerging themes and issues. Work is currently underway to address issues raised in the Panel’s 2024 Report, which highlights areas for improving services for children and young people involved in and at risk of harmful behaviours. The report is available on the ACT Government and Legislative Assembly websites Therapeutic Support Panel for Children and Young People - 2024 Report.  

The Panel is expected to present its next report in late 2025.

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DSS4714 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/4714