NCJ Number
119121
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Northern Territory of Australia is currently the nation's only jurisdiction that has transferred its juvenile justice functions from the welfare services to the corrections department, recognizing the need not only to provide meaningful community and custodial treatment programs for juvenile offenders but also to examine and address the high numbers of juveniles, especially Aboriginals, who enter the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Currently 60 percent of adult prisoners, 84 percent of juveniles in custody, and 56 percent of juveniles in community programs are Aboriginals, who constitute only 23 percent of the total population. The juvenile court receives a pre-sentence report for each youth. Sentencing aims to avoid custodial settings if possible, but sometimes no alternative exists. Probation supervision programs aim to provide community protection, prevention of further conflict with the law, and personal skill development. The reparation program aims both to punish the offender and repay the victim. Other correctional programs include community service orders, juvenile home detention, custodial treatment, and special programs for young Aboriginal offenders. The Juvenile Justice Act provides the legislative base for the system. Several amendments to this law will be introduced soon. In addition, a multidisciplinary approach to the management of juvenile offenders is emerging with the creation of a department that combines numerous youth agencies. 1 reference.