Our General Manager of Programs, Chris Lacey, recently spoke to several media outlets about Victoria’s proposed plan to impose adult sentences on youth offenders as young as 14, dubbed “Adult Time for Violent Crimes.” Under the plan, young people would be tried in adult courts for violent offences, replacing the current maximum three-year penalty in children’s courts with potential life sentences.
Chris emphasized that tougher sentences are not the solution to youth crime:
“The evidence tells us that locking a kid up in jail only exacerbates the problem. When they get out, they’re more angry, more disconnected, and more likely to reoffend. Our programs focus on early intervention, connecting with young people as early as possible to put them on the right track before they create victims.”
He highlighted the success of early intervention and youth work programs, noting:
• Our In-school youth programs have a 97% success rate in keeping students engaged in education.
• Our early intervention programs for young people in contact with police achieve an 80% success rate in keeping kids out of jail.
Chris argued that prevention works better than punishment:
“We know through our programs, and through evidence from around Australia and the world, that locking kids up doesn’t make communities safer. What works is connecting young people with mentors, youth workers, and positive networks before they disengage from school or community.”
He also referenced the words of the late great Les Twentyman OAM, who used to say:
“Jail is the university of crime. When young people are in that moment, we need positive influences around them to help them make better choices.”
Les always emphasised the importance of “Keeping kids in classrooms, not courtrooms.”
Chris added:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe, but the long-term solution is investing in early intervention, youth engagement, and prevention programs. We can’t police our way out of this crisis, and we can’t lock kids up out of it either.”
The Les Twentyman Foundation continues to work with schools, families, and communities across Victoria to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and programs that give young people the chance to choose a positive path. Prevention and early intervention remain key to making communities safer and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure it happens.
Watch the full 7 News interview with Chris Lacey here