Who are the Aboriginal children and young people involved with Youth Justice?

The following information illustrates the cohort of children and young people under youth justice supervision. This outlines their ages, their genders, where they are based and talks about their needs. Youth Justice needs to work to identify and address the unique needs of each child and young person who is in contact with the system.

Snapshot of Aboriginal children and young people involved with Youth Justice in 2020-21

14% of all children and young people involved with Youth Justice in 2020-21 identified as Aboriginal.

• 80% are male
• 20% are female

• 30% are 18 years or older
• 66% are aged 14 to 17 years
• 4% are aged 10 to 13 years

• 37% are located in metropolitan areas
• 63% are located in regional areas

Source: Youth Justice CRIS Data (2021)

Aboriginal children and young people in Youth Justice have complex needs that must be addressed

Amongst Aboriginal children and young people involved with Youth Justice as at 31 December 2019:

• 81% were victims of abuse, trauma or neglect
• 78% had experienced family violence
• 94% had a history of alcohol and/or drug misuse
• 72% had been subject to a child protection report
• 55% were not living with parents, relatives or kin
• 49% presented with cognitive difficulties
• 66% presented with mental health issues
• 18% had a primary school level of education
• 65% were not participating in education.

Source: DJCS (2020) Annual Survey of Young People Involved in Youth Justices 2019