Children in Care Targeted by Crime | Sydney News

A shocking new inquiry reveals how vulnerable kids under fourteen in Victoria’s state care system are being exploited by criminals who lure them with money, drugs, and fake affection into crime. The report, based on 26 children’s experiences between 2023-2025, exposes how the system itself may be conditioning kids for jail life — calling for raising the criminal responsibility age to 14, boosting early intervention, and rejecting harsh punishments. Amid rising youth violence and political tough-on-crime pushes, the investigation warns that many young offenders don’t grasp the real impact of their actions — while highlighting how residential care kids are especially targeted. Former residents describe being manipulated by adults who made crime seem harmless, and though the government claims its programs offer therapeutic support, the report argues current practices fail to rehabilitate — and lacks transparency on keeping youth out of court. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/45f69357c3d96ee5