How does the youth justice system work in Australia?

No parent wants to receive a call from the police saying their child has been arrested. But If your child enters the youth justice system, it’s important to know what are their rights and where to get help.

The Victorian government has agreed not to send some rioting young prisoners to an adult jail. (AAP) Source: AAP

Knowing that your child has been arrested by the police is very unsettling.  

But Andrew Bruun, CEO of the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, says that you should keep in mind that the Australian youth justice system focuses on young people's welfare and development, rather than just punishment.

While the youth justice system varies in each state, they do have some things in common. 

Katherine McFarlane is Associate Professor at the Centre for Law and Justice at Charles Sturt University.  

She says that children under 10 years old can't be held responsible for a crime. 

If a child is arrested, the police will interview them. 

If they're under 14, a parent or guardian needs to be present. 

If they're between 14 and 17, they can decide which adult they want to be present. 

It can be a family member, a lawyer, a friend over 18 or a youth worker.