Victorian Inquiry Finds Children in State Care Exploited by Criminals

A Victorian Commission for Children and Young People inquiry examined 26 children under 14 who had passed through the justice system between 2023 and 2025. The commission concluded that residential care facilities are being used as recruiting grounds for criminals who lure vulnerable youths with money, drugs and false affection.

Commissioner Tracy Beaton urged the state government to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 14, expand early‑intervention programs and avoid punitive custodial sentences for children. Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush noted that many young offenders are motivated by peer pressure and lack awareness of the harm they cause. The report highlighted that children in state care account for more than 60% of robberies and about half of car‑jackings and home invasions in the year to March 2026. The findings come as both major parties in Victoria announce tougher crime policies.