Youth justice centre orders (YJCOs) and youth residential centre orders (YJROs) are sentences of youth detention for children and young people. The difference between the two orders is that children aged 15 to 20 are detained in youth justice centres and children aged under 15 are detained in youth residential centres.
YJCOs and YJROs are the most severe sentences that can be imposed on children and young people under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic).
Young people participate in education and programs that address their offending behaviour while detained in a youth justice centre or youth residential centre.
In Victoria, about 3% of cases in the Children’s Court receive a youth justice centre order or a youth residential centre order (2023–24).
Maximum Duration of Detention
The maximum period of detention depends on the age of the child, the number of offences and the court jurisdiction (Children’s Court or an adult court).
For children aged under 15 in the Children’s Court, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 1 year for a single offence
- 2 years for one or more offences.
For children aged 15 or over in the Children’s Court, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 3 years for a single offence
- 4 years for one or more offences.
For young offenders (aged under 21) in an adult court under Victoria’s dual track system, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 2 years if the young offender is sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court
- 4 years if the young offender is sentenced in the higher courts (County and Supreme Courts).
Parole for Young People
Courts cannot set a non-parole period for a youth justice centre order or youth residential centre order. However, the Youth Parole Board may consider releasing a child or young person on parole during the order. The child will have to comply with any parole conditions.
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