LISTEN ABOVE: Sue Wright from the Brainwave Trust tells Larry Williams that we are behind other countries when it comes to dealing with age restrictions around youth courts. 

The Children's Commissioner has signed a letter, asking the Prime Minister to change the age for youth offenders entering the adult court system.

Andrew Becroft, along with 32 other organisations as signatories, wants 17-year-olds to remain in the youth court, rather than facing the Judge in adult system.

Signatory Sue Wright from the Brainwave Trust, said 17-year-olds brains are still developing, which can lead to them acting out recklessly.

She said the youth justice system provides an appropriate way to get them back on track, as Judges can't treat them any differently than adults if they appear in the adult court.

"They're treated with the same system of legal representation. There is very little restorative justice. There's very little consultative process."