Focus on at-risk kids, youth shows need for early intervention

While raising the age limit from 16 to 18 benefits older youth offenders with better support through rehabilitation, MPs seemed more seized by amendments to protect another group of youth - those who are abused, neglected or at-risk.

Among the 13 MPs who spoke over two days of debate over the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Bill, only four touched on amendments that benefit youth offenders, such as identity protection up to age 18 from 16, and being able to declare no criminal records after completing their Youth Court orders.