Status offences

Status offences encompass acts which would not be criminal if they were committed by adults.

Status offences encompass acts that would not be criminal if they were committed by adults. This means that a status offender's conduct is considered unacceptable not because it is harmful, but solely on the basis of age. Status offences take many different forms in countries, states, and localities around the world - examples include curfew violations, school truancy, running away, begging, anti-social behaviour, gang association, and even simple disobedience or bad behaviour.

CRIN has published a report on status offences around the world, calling for their abolition to protect children from harmful age discrimination. Read this report here.

Back to A-Z listing