Juvenile Justice

The kid’s “parents” - his “parents” are his mum and her current boyfriend - don’t give a stuff. He hates school, and teachers are relieved when he truants. He will not likely complete the school certificate.

Poor, brutish and nasty: how the break the cycle?

He’s never learnt to control his tongue, and his is the discourse of the gutter. He’s already been before the children’s court a couple of times, and is not scared by the police – in fact one of his highs is the foot chase after a bit of rock throwing.

His security and identity are found in his small group of mates. He can look forward to a life, to quote Hobbes, which is poor, brutish and nasty. Unfortunately for the tax payer, it will not be short.

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  • Elle says:

    12:11am | 29/10/09

    Great article, and great work. Chris, much of what you say is also relevant to children in care (out of home or foster care), particularly regarding the primary adult relationship they need. Same lack of investment (or misguided investment in working with the family at the expense of the individual… Read more »

  • Carl Palmer says:

    03:50pm | 28/10/09

    Chris, David Penberthy made reference to you in an article he posted on The Punch on the 23rd Oct titled “Crimewave turns our most genteel city into a moshpit” where he spoke very highly of the work you were doing and your passion to help disadvantaged kids. I believe wholeheartedly… Read more »

 

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