Is youth crime a problem that we can jail our way out of?

THERE is little doubt that the issue of youth crime is a major talking point in many communities across the county, including ours.

The beat on the street in Hervey Bay is of a growing problem.

It’s not a solved problem as some of our local politicians might like to purport in keynote addresses.

Amongst my friend groups and associates, opinion is fairly divided about the best way to deal with this growing social issue. It is also emotionally heightened amongst those directly impacted as victims, as you can justifiably expect.

I am certainly no expert, but like most, I have a view.

Youth rehabilitation vs incarceration are the two most discussed approaches to dealing with young offenders who have committed crimes.

With the dual aim of reducing crime and promoting public safety, I believe youth rehabilitation is generally considered a greater long-term solution to incarceration. Rehabilitation focuses on addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour, whereas incarceration is primarily punitive in nature.

As a community, we need to address the underlying issues that led to the criminal behaviour in the first place.

Many young offenders come from troubled backgrounds and may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other forms of adversity.

These experiences can contribute to a range of problems, including poor mental health, substance abuse, and social dysfunction.

By providing youth with the support and resources they need to overcome these challenges, rehabilitation programs can help them develop the skills, resilience, and self-esteem necessary to avoid future criminal behaviour.

Sounds simple, I know.

It is a complex and emotive problem. Incarceration can have lifelong consequences including stigmatization, limited employment opportunities, and difficulty re-integrating into society. Offending often has lifelong consequences for the victims of crime and their families.

I just don’t think we can jail our way out of systemic problems.

Send us an email or leave a comment on our Facebook page and tell us what you think.