Youth Justice Report: Consultation with young people in out-of-home care about their experiences with police, courts and detention

The Create Foundation have released the ‘Youth Justice Report’ based on extensive consultation with young people who have experienced in the care system as well as police, courts and detention. The Create Foundation is the national consumer body representing children and young people in out-of-home care. Some of the key findings of the report include that there are three groups of young people who have experienced the system; those who have committed an offence, young people who have been reported missing and victims.

The young people who participated in the consultations spoke of how they became involved with the justice system, the treatment they received, how they were supported during interactions, and their recommendations for improving the justice system. A theme throughout the young people’s experience was a lack of consideration regarding the influence of trauma on their behaviour. A key recommendation is that all justice system workers adopt a trauma informed approach.  A version for young people is also available.

  Download the “Youth Justice Report: Consultation with young people in out-of-home care about their experiences with police, courts and detention” (1.44MB PDF)