Among the amendments in this new legislation was the raising of the age of criminal responsibility from seven to twelve years of age. This reform has been met with considerable debate. Data are presented in this study on a group of seven to eleven year olds who were assessed by the Family Court Clinic which reflects the profiles of this group and their involvement in offending behavior. Discussion provides several perspectives on whether the problems of this offending age group are better dealt with by child welfare or juvenile justice authorities. (Author abstract)