The rise in punitive responses towards youth offenders, often influenced by populist rhetoric, has led to an increase in youth incarceration. Policies such as lowering the age of criminal responsibility and stricter bail laws are seen as knee-jerk reactions, but they come with long-term consequences, especially for the mental health of young people in detention.
Recent data reveals an uptick in youth incarceration across Australia, with New South Wales alone seeing a 31% increase between 2023 and 2024. A significant number of these youth, approximately 60%, are First Nations youth. Despite the perception of protection and rehabilitation in detention, the mental health outcomes for these youth are often dire.
The Impact of Incarceration on Mental Health
Research shows that young people in detention suffer from significantly higher rates of mental health disorders compared to their peers in the general population. Many of these young individuals have endured adverse childhood experiences, further exacerbating their mental health struggles.
A study examining over 1,500 justice-involved youth over a two-year period after they left custody revealed alarming findings. Youth who spent time in detention had higher rates of psychiatric hospitalizations compared to those under community supervision. Moreover, repeated stays in custody worsened these outcomes, leading to increased mental health crises.
Interestingly, younger offenders, particularly those aged 14-17, were more vulnerable to negative mental health effects from incarceration compared to older youth. The findings suggest that placing young offenders in detention at such a tender age significantly raises their risk of long-term psychiatric issues.
Recidivism and the Cycle of Offending
In addition to the mental health toll, the involvement of young people in the justice system appears to increase the likelihood of repeat offending. Research indicates that young individuals incarcerated before the age of 14 face a much higher chance of being incarcerated as adults. In fact, those who were detained during their adolescence were five times more likely to enter the adult prison system compared to their peers who had never been in custody.
The Case for Treatment Over Punishment
While punitive measures continue to dominate youth justice systems, studies show that treatment-focused approaches are far more effective in reducing reoffending rates. Research conducted in New South Wales reveals that youth with mental health issues, when diverted into treatment programs instead of incarceration, were significantly less likely to reoffend. Despite this, less than half of eligible youth have access to diversion programs.
Our studies also explored whether voluntary access to mental health services could reduce recidivism. The results were promising: boys who received mental health treatment after their release from custody were 40% less likely to reoffend. Similarly, those supervised in the community also benefited from treatment, showing a 57% reduction in reoffending rates.
Evidence-Based Reforms
The evidence is clear: punitive measures do little to deter crime, especially among young offenders. Instead, they perpetuate a cycle of criminal behavior that often leads to long-term incarceration. Policymakers should prioritize reimagining youth justice systems to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
One key reform would be raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. This move would delay the onset of formal justice system contact and prevent early criminalization of youth. Additionally, improving routine mental health screening within the justice system and expanding access to diversion programs would provide a more comprehensive approach to youth justice.
The financial implications also favor mental health treatment. Detaining a young person costs around $1 million annually, while investing in mental health treatment-based strategies would not only be more humane but also more cost-effective in the long run.
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