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The Juvenile Justice System |
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(Source - Justice Health)
http://www.justicehealth.nsw.gov.au/2nd_level/about_justice_health.html
The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) manages young offenders by means of supervision within the community or within Juvenile Justice Centres under remand or control (sentenced) orders. Under the Children's (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 and associated legislation, young offenders are defined as aged between 10 and 18 years. Depending on the security and risk level of a detainee, offenders can be transferred into the adult correctional system when they turn 18 years of age, though in special circumstances older offenders may remain in the care of DJJ.
Our juvenile clients commonly report experiences of neglect and
physical, emotional or sexual abuse. This is particularly the case with
young women. Many detainees report that they have experienced
significant relationship problems in their families, leading to periods
of homelessness and a large number leave school before completing year
8. Due to their educational deficits and poor self-esteem, most have
limited employment choices and report feeling powerless and socially
isolated. Many abuse alcohol and other drugs, seeking refuge in a
delinquent peer group.
The average daily number of juveniles being cared for by the Department
of Juvenile Justice is approximately 300, however numbers are declining
as a result of diversionary programs to manage offenders in the
community. In addition, there are over 650 children on community orders
on a daily basis. In total, the Department of Juvenile Justice assists
approximately 3,000 young people per year who are remanded in police
cells or Juvenile Justice Centres.
Detainee Facts (source: Young People in Custody Survey 2003)
* 41% identify as Aboriginal and / Torres Straight Islander.
* 42% report having been physically abused, 10% sexually abused,
38% had experienced emotional neglect and 34% physical neglect.
* 19% of males and 24% of females had seriously considered attempting suicide at some time in the past.
* Overall, 28% of young men and 56% of young women have been diagnosed with asthma.
* 32% of young men and 30% of young women have mild hearing loss.
* 43% of participants have a history of parental imprisonment and 11% had a parent who was currently incarcerated.
* 17% of young men and 47% of young women had injected drugs in the twelve months prior to custody.
* Almost 90% of all detainees have used cannabis and most
adolescents report having consumed alcohol and being drunk at some time
in the past.
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Youth Issues 
