Final answer:
A "young person" under the Youth Criminal Justice Act is someone aged 12-17 years old. Discussions about the act often involve concerns over re-offending and whether juveniles should be tried as adults for serious crimes, while also considering youth welfare more broadly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a "young person" is defined as someone who is at least 12 years old but under 18 years old at the time he or she commits a criminal offence. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A. 12-17 years old. This legal framework aims to address the ways in which individuals within this age range are treated within the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment.
The ongoing issue where youths continue their life of crime after being released from juvenile facilities has led to discussions on whether harsher sentences, including trying juveniles as adults, might be necessary for serious crimes.
However, the concept of youth also encompasses efforts to ensure a progressive future for persons between the ages of 15 and 24, balancing the need for accountability with access to supportive services like health, education, and employment opportunities in order to reduce the likelihood of re-offending and to promote gender equality.