Youth Justice Explained
Youth Justice Explained
If your child is working with the Youth Justice Service (YJS), you may have lots of questions about what will happen next.
The YJS should explain what your child’s outcome means, how long they will be working with them and what appointments or activities they need to attend. Every child is different, so the support they receive should be based on their individual needs, strengths, culture and circumstances.
A Youth Justice worker will usually spend time getting to know your child and understanding what is happening in their life.
They may ask about home, culture, faith, background, school or college, friendships, health, wellbeing, interests and future goals.
They should involve your child in their plan and, where appropriate, involve you too.
They may also work with school, health workers, social workers or other support services.
How often your child has appointments, and how long they work with the YJS, will depend on their circumstances and outcome.
Remind your child of appointments and encourage them to attend.
If something is making attendance difficult, talk to their Youth Justice worker.
Share information that may help the YJS understand your child better.
This might include things they are good at, things they find difficult or changes happening at home.
Tell their Youth Justice worker as soon as possible if:
Appointments may take place at a Youth Justice office, at home, in school or college, in the community or online.
The YJS should consider your child’s education, work, other appointments and any support they need.
If your child will be late or cannot attend, contact their Youth Justice worker as soon as possible.
Do not simply miss the appointment.
Tell your child’s Youth Justice worker before you travel.
Your child may still have appointments, court requirements or other rules they need to follow.
Their worker can explain whether the trip affects their plan and what arrangements need to be made.
Yes.
Youth Justice can involve unfamiliar words and different professionals.
You can ask who is involved, why information is being shared and what your child needs to do next.
If you or your child do not understand something, ask their worker to explain it again.
If you need extra support, such as an interpreter, tell the Youth Justice worker.