Webster (A Pseudonym V. The Queen (2016)

The report by the Sentencing Advisory Council (2015) argues that the rehabilitation of juveniles on the grounds of the welfare approach endorses the community’s abiding interests in potential positive behaviour reconstruction. In Webster (A Pseudonym) v The Queen [2016] VSCA 66 case, it was raised research regarding the developmental process and maturity of children deemed as a medium for providing access to rehabilitation, which, therefore, contributed to the minimisation of the risk of recidivism. Fatouros (2016, p. 14) argues that this approach is especially beneficial for young individuals as it will lead to fewer adult offenders and a safer community. Ascani (2012, p. 80) explains that due to the stigmatisation experienced by young people whilst developing their identity, it can result in issues with employment and social networks, which ultimately increases the likelihood of re-offending. Thus, preserving the relationship with families and external factors during childhood can benefit the development of young individuals socially without having the label of criminal offenders attached to them (Asani 2012, p. 80)

However, it has been disputed that the effectiveness of the welfare approach to juvenile crimes maintains and reinforces the idea of the offender’s criminal act justified by disadvantaged socio-economic …show more content…
48). Moreover, many criticise the concept of conferencing, expressing it as a lenient alternative for offenders with respect to traditional judicial procedure and detention (Fields 2003, p. 49). Lynne Holden (cited in Fields 2003, p. 48), manager of the Victims of Crime Association Queensland, is a strong critic of juvenile conferencing as she argues that an apology allows juvenile offenders to walk