PUNISHMENT IN THE COMMUNITY - 7 YEARS ON

This article takes the form of a response to the National Centre for S ocio-Legal Studies' evaluation of the Victorian Youth Attendance Order . Referring to previous research which has warned of the dangers of up -tariffing, lack of purpose, custodial jeopardy and the re-offending r ates found in similar high-tariff community orders in England and else where, it is noted that whilst by some criteria such orders may be con sidered a 'success', their place in the sentencing hierarchy and their vulnerability to political exigencies remain key matters of concern. The article underlines the point (by drawing upon international compar isons) that juvenile justice reform does not simply take place in some depoliticised, managerial or technical realm, but is contingent on br oader political agendas and priorities.