South Australia
Young Offenders Act 1993
An Act to reconstitute the juvenile justice system in this State; and for other purposes.

Contents
Part 1—Preliminary
1	Short title
3	Objects and statutory policies
4	Interpretation
4A	Designation as officers of Department for certain purposes
5	Age of criminal responsibility
5A	Victims Register
Part 2—Minor offences
Division 1—General powers
6	Informal cautions
7	More formal proceedings
Division 2—Sanctions that may be imposed by police officer
8	Powers of police officer
Division 3—Family conference
9	Youth Justice Co-ordinators
10	Convening of family conference
11	Family conference, how constituted
12	Powers of family conference
Division 4—Limitation on publicity
13	Limitation on publicity
Part 3—Arrest and custody of suspected offenders
14	Application of general law
15	How youth is to be dealt with if not granted bail
Part 4—Court proceedings against a youth
Division A1—Interpretation
15A	Interpretation
Division 1—The charge
16	Where charge is to be laid
17	Proceedings on charge laid before Youth Court
17A	Proceedings on charge laid before Magistrates Court
Division 2—Procedure on preliminary examination and trial in Youth Court
18	Procedure on trial of offences
19	Committal for trial
20	Change of plea
21	Recording of convictions
Division 3—Sentence
22	Power to sentence
23	Limitation on power to impose custodial sentence
24	Limitation on power to impose fine
25	Limitation on power to require community service
26	Limitation on Court's power to require bond
27	Court may require undertaking from guardians
28	Power to disqualify from holding driver's licence
Division 4—Sentencing of youth by Supreme or District Court
29	Sentencing of youth by Supreme or District Court
Division 5—Miscellaneous
30	Court to explain proceedings etc
31	Prohibition of joint charges
32	Reports
33	Reports to be made available to parties
34	Attendance at court of guardian of youth charged with offence
35	Counsellors etc may make submissions to court
Part 5—Custodial sentences
Division 1—Youth sentenced as adult
36	Detention of youth sentenced as adult
Division 1A—Detention or imprisonment in a prison
36A	Transfer following imposition of concurrent prison sentence
Division 2A—Home detention
37A	Conditions of home detention
37B	Home detention officers
37C	Variation or revocation of home detention order
37D	General provisions
Division 3—Release from detention
Subdivision 1—Training Centre Review Board
38	Establishment of Training Centre Review Board
39	Reviews etc and proceedings of Training Centre Review Board
Subdivision 2—Leave of absence
40A	Leave may be authorised by Board
Subdivision 3—Conditional release and home detention
41	Application and interpretation of Subdivision
41A	Conditional release from detention
41B	Release on condition of home detention
41C	What happens if youth fails to observe condition of release
Subdivision 4—Absolute release from detention by Court
42	Absolute release from detention by Court
Division 3A—Directions relating to firearms etc
42A	Training Centre Review Board may direct youth to surrender firearm etc
Division 5—Escape from custody
48	Escape from custody
Part 6—Community service and other work related orders
49	Community service and work orders cannot be imposed unless there is a placement for the youth
Part 8—Miscellaneous
57	Determination of a person's age
58	Prior offences
59	Detention and search by officers of Department
59A	Power of arrest by officers of the Department
60	Hindering an officer of the Department
61	Issue of warrant
62	Detention of youths in emergencies
63	Transfer of youths in detention to other training centre or prison
63A	Effect of remand in prison
63B	Application of Correctional Services Act 1982 to youth with non-parole period
63C	Restrictions on reports of proceedings
64	Information about youth may be given in certain circumstances
65	Regulations
Legislative history

The Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows:
Part 1—Preliminary
1—Short title
This Act may be cited as the Young Offenders Act 1993.
3—Objects and statutory policies
	(1)	The object of this Act is to secure for youths who offend against the criminal law the care, correction and guidance necessary for their development into responsible and useful members of the community and the proper realisation of their potential.
	(2)	The powers conferred by this Act are to be directed towards that object with proper regard to the following statutory policies:
	(a)	a youth should be made aware of his or her obligations under the law and of the consequences of breach of the law;
	(c)	the community, and individual members of it, must be adequately protected against violent or wrongful acts.
	(2a)	In imposing sanctions on a youth for illegal conduct—
	(a)	regard should be had to the deterrent effect any proposed sanction may have on the youth; and
	(b)	if the sanctions are imposed by a court on a youth who is being dealt with as an adult (whether because the youth's conduct is part of a pattern of repeated illegal conduct or for some other reason), regard should be had to—
	(i)	the deterrent effect any proposed sanction may have on other youths; and
	(ii)	the balance to be achieved between—
	(A)	the protection of the community; and
	(B)	the need to rehabilitate the youth.
	(3)	Effect is to be given to the following statutory policies so far as the circumstances of the individual case allow:
	(a)	compensation and restitution should be provided, where appropriate, for victims of offences committed by youths;
	(b)	family relationships between a youth, the youth's parents and other members of the youth's family should be preserved and strengthened;
	(c)	a youth should not be withdrawn unnecessarily from the youth's family environment;
	(d)	there should be no unnecessary interruption of a youth's education or employment;
	(e)	a youth's sense of racial, ethnic or cultural identity should not be impaired.
4—Interpretation
	(1)	In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—
Chief Executive means the Chief Executive of the Department;
community youth justice officer has the same meaning as in the Youth Justice Administration Act;
Court or Youth Court means the Youth Court of South Australia;
Department means the administrative unit of the Public Service that is responsible for assisting a Minister in the administration of the Youth Justice Administration Act 2016;
domestic partner means a person who is a domestic partner within the meaning of the Family Relationships Act 1975, whether declared as such under that Act or not;
DPP means the Director of Public Prosecutions;
family conference—see Part 2 Division 3;
guardian, in relation to a youth, means a parent of the youth or a person (other than the Minister) who is the guardian of the youth or has the immediate custody and control of the youth;
home detention officer means an employee of the Department assigned to the position of a home detention officer or authorised by the Minister (individually or by class) to exercise the powers of a home detention officer under this Act;
homicide means murder or manslaughter;
immediate family of a victim means—
	(a)	a spouse or domestic partner;
	(b)	a parent;
	(c)	a grandparent;
	(d)	a child (including an adult child);
	(e)	a grandchild (including an adult grandchild);
	(f)	a brother or sister;
injury means physical or mental injury, and includes pregnancy, mental shock and nervous shock;
Minister means the Minister to whom the administration of this Act is committed by the Governor or the Minister on whom, or to whom, the relevant Ministerial power or function is conferred or assigned under the Administration of Acts Act 1910;
minor offence means an offence to which this Act applies that should, in the opinion of the police officer in charge of the investigation of the offence, be dealt with as a minor offence because of—
	(a)	the limited extent of the harm caused through the commission of the offence; and
	(b)	the character and antecedents of the alleged offender; and
	(c)	the improbability of the youth re-offending; and
	(d)	where relevant—the attitude of the youth's parents or guardians;
offence to which this Act applies means any offence alleged to have been committed by a youth except an offence excluded by regulation;
recidivist young offender means a youth who is declared under Part 2 Division 2A of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 to be a recidivist young offender;
registered victim includes a member of a victim's immediate family whose name is entered in the Victims Register;
Registrar means the Registrar of the Court;
serious firearm offender means a youth who is, pursuant to section 20AAB of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988, a serious firearm offender;
spouse—a person is the spouse of another if they are legally married;
training centre means a facility for the reception, detention, correction and training of youths who offend against the criminal law established under the Family and Community Services Act 1972 or the Youth Justice Administration Act;
Training Centre Review Board means the Training Centre Review Board established under Part 5;
victim of an offence means a person who suffers injury as a result of the offence;
Victims Register—see section 5A;
working day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday;
youth means a person of or above the age of 10 years but under the age of 18 years and, in relation to proceedings for an offence or detention in a training centre, includes a person who was under the age of 18 years on the date of the alleged offence;
Youth Justice Administration Act means the Youth Justice Administration Act 2016;
Youth Justice Co-ordinator—see Part 2 Division 3;
Youth Parole Board means the Training Centre Review Board as constituted from time to time under Part 5 Division 3 to review the progress and circumstances of a recidivist young offender, or hear and determine any other matter relating to a recidivist young offender assigned to the Board under this Act.
	(2)	A reference in this Act to an officer of the Department includes a reference to—
	(a)	a person who, immediately before the commencement of this subsection, held an appointment made by the Governor as an officer of the Department; or
	(b)	a person who, after the commencement of this subsection, is designated by the Minister as an officer of the Department under section 4A.
4A—Designation as officers of Department for certain purposes
	(1)	The Minister may, by written notice, designate a person to whom this section applies as a person who is to be taken to be an officer of the Department for the purposes of this Act, the Youth Court Act 1993 and any other prescribed Act.
	(2)	The Minister may, by written notice, revoke—
	(a)	the appointment of an officer of the Department made by the Governor before the commencement of this section; or
	(b)	a designation made under subsection (1).
	(3)	This section applies to a person if—
	(a)	the person is engaged by another person (the contractor) to carry out certain work in the course of and for the purposes of the contractor's business; and
	(b)	the contractor is engaged, in the course of and for the purposes of a business, by the Minister under a contract, arrangement or understanding for the purposes of this Act or another Act; and
	(c)	the Minister is satisfied that the person is a suitable person to be designated as an officer of the Department.
	(4)	Section 74 of the Public Sector Act 2009 does not apply to a person designated under subsection (1).
5—Age of criminal responsibility
A person under the age of 10 years cannot commit an offence.
5A—Victims Register
	(1)	The Chief Executive must keep a Victims Register for the purposes of this Act.
	(2)	The victim of an offence for which a youth is sentenced to detention or imprisonment or, if the victim is dead or under an incapacity or in prescribed circumstances, a member of the victim's immediate family, may apply in writing to the Chief Executive to have the following information entered in the Victims Register:
	(a)	the applicant's name;
	(b)	the applicant's contact address and (if supplied) telephone number or the name, contact address and (if supplied) telephone number of a person nominated by the applicant to receive information under this Act on his or her behalf;
	(c)	any information (including the name of the youth) in the applicant's possession that may assist the Chief Executive to identify the youth.
	(3)	The Chief Executive is entitled to assume the accuracy of information supplied under subsection (2) without further inquiry.
	(4)	The Victims Register must also contain any other information prescribed by the regulations.
	(5)	The Chief Executive must, when requested to do so by the Training Centre Review Board, provide the Board with information derived from the Victims Register.
	(6)	If the Victims Register includes particulars of a person nominated by a registered victim to receive information under this Act on his or her behalf, any information or notification required or authorised by this Act to be given to the registered victim must, instead, be given to the person so nominated (and where such information or notification is to be given at the request of the registered victim, the person so nominated is entitled to make such a request as if he or she were the registered victim).
	(7)	A person must not divulge information derived from the Victims Register, being information obtained (whether by the person or some other person) in the administration or enforcement of this Act, except—
	(a)	as required or authorised by this Act or any other Act or law; or
	(b)	as reasonably required in connection with the administration or enforcement of this Act or any other prescribed Act; or
	(c)	for the purposes of legal proceedings arising out of the administration or enforcement of this Act; or
	(d)	with the consent of the registered victim to whom the information relates.

Part 2—Minor offences
Division 1—General powers
6—Informal cautions
	(1)	If a youth admits the commission of a minor offence, and a police officer is of the opinion that the matter does not warrant any formal action under this Act, the officer may informally caution the youth against further offending and proceed no further against the youth.
	(2)	If a youth is informally cautioned under this section, no further proceedings may be taken against the youth for the offence in relation to which the youth was cautioned.
	(3)	A record (whether made before or after the commencement of this subsection) of an informal caution given to a youth does not constitute a criminal record of the youth and may not be referred to—
	(a)	for the purposes of a criminal record check; or
	(b)	without the youth's consent—in any judicial proceedings.
	(4)	A record of an informal caution made and kept before the commencement of this subsection will be taken to have been legally made and kept.
7—More formal proceedings
	(1)	If a youth admits the commission of a minor offence, a police officer may deal with the matter as follows:
	(a)	the officer may deal with the matter under Division 2; or
	(b)	the officer may notify a Youth Justice Co-ordinator of the admission so that a family conference may be convened to deal with the matter; or
	(c)	the officer may lay a charge for the offence before the Court.
	(2)	Before the police officer proceeds to deal with an offence under Division 2, or notifies a Youth Justice Co-ordinator of the admission so that a family conference may be convened—
	(a)	the officer should explain to the youth—
	(i)	the nature of the offence and of the circumstances out of which it is alleged to arise; and
	(ii)	that the youth is entitled to obtain legal advice; and
	(iii)	that the youth is entitled (irrespective of whether he or she exercises the right to obtain legal advice) to require that the matter be dealt with by the Court; and
	(b)	if the youth does not require the matter to be dealt with by the Court, the officer should put the admission into written form and, if possible, get the youth to sign the admission.
	(3)	An explanation given to a youth or the signing of an admission by a youth under subsection (2) should take place, if practicable, in the presence of—
	(a)	a guardian of the youth; or
	(b)	if a guardian is not available—an adult person nominated by the youth who has had a close association with the youth or has been counselling, advising or aiding the youth.
	(4)	A charge may only be laid—
	(a)	if the youth requires the matter to be dealt with by the Court; or
	(b)	if, in the opinion of the police officer, the matter cannot be adequately dealt with by the officer or a family conference because of the youth's repeated offending or some other circumstance of aggravation.

Division 2—Sanctions that may be imposed by police officer
8—Powers of police officer
	(1)	If a police officer decides to deal with a minor offence under this Division, the officer may administer a formal caution against further offending and exercise any one or more of the following powers:
	(a)	the officer may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to pay compensation to the victim of the offence;
	(b)	the officer may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to carry out a specified period (not exceeding 75 hours) of community service;
	(c)	the officer may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to apologise to the victim of the offence or to do anything else that may be appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
	(2)	If a formal caution is to be administered—
	(a)	the police officer must explain to the youth the nature of the caution and the fact that evidence of the caution may, if the youth is subsequently dealt with for an offence, be treated as evidence of commission of the offence in respect of which the caution is administered; and
	(b)	the caution must, if practicable, be administered in the presence of—
	(i)	a guardian of the youth; or
	(ii)	if a guardian is not available—an adult person nominated by the youth who has had a close association with the youth or has been counselling, advising or aiding the youth; and
	(c)	the caution must be put in writing and acknowledged in writing by the youth.
	(3)	Before requiring a youth to enter an undertaking under this section, the police officer must take all reasonable steps to give the guardians of the youth an opportunity to make representations with respect to the matter.
	(4)	In exercising powers under this section, the police officer must—
	(a)	have regard to sentences imposed for comparable offences by the Court; and
	(b)	have regard to any guidelines on the subject issued by the Commissioner of Police.
	(5)	If a youth enters into an undertaking under this section to apologise to the victim of the offence, the apology must be made in the presence of an adult person approved by a police officer.
	(6)	If a youth enters into an undertaking under this section—
	(a)	the undertaking must be signed by the youth, a representative of the Commissioner of Police, and, if practicable, by the youth's parents or guardians; and
	(b)	the undertaking will have a maximum duration of three months.
	(7)	If a youth does not comply with a requirement of a police officer under this section, or an undertaking under this section, the officer or some other police officer may—
	(a)	refer the matter to a Youth Justice Co-ordinator so that a family conference may be convened to deal with the offence; or
	(b)	if the youth requires the matter to be dealt with by the Court—lay a charge for the offence before the Court.
	(8)	If—
	(a)	a youth is cautioned, and no further requirements are made of the youth, under this section; or
	(b)	all requirements made of the youth under this section (including obligations arising under an undertaking) are complied with,
the youth is not liable to be prosecuted for the offence.
	(9)	If a police officer deals with an offence under this Division, the officer must—
	(a)	ask the victim of the offence whether he or she wishes to be informed of the identity of the offender and how the offence has been dealt with; and
	(b)	if the victim indicates that he or she does wish to have that information—give the victim that information.

Division 3—Family conference
9—Youth Justice Co-ordinators
	(1)	The following are to be Youth Justice Co-ordinators:
	(a)	the magistrates who are members of the Youth Court's principal or ancillary judiciary; and
	(b)	the persons who are appointed as Youth Justice Co-ordinators.
	(1a)	Youth Justice Co-ordinators (who are not magistrates) will be appointed under the Courts Administration Act 1993.
	(2)	A person appointed as a Youth Justice Co-ordinator will be appointed for a term not exceeding three years specified in the instrument of appointment and is, on the expiration of a term of appointment, eligible for re-appointment.
	(3)	A person cannot be appointed as a Youth Justice Co-ordinator unless the Judge of the Court has been consulted in relation to the proposed appointment.
	(4)	A person appointed as a Youth Justice Co-ordinator is responsible to the Judge of the Court (through any properly constituted administrative superior) for the proper and efficient discharge of his or her duties.
10—Convening of family conference
	(1)	When a police officer notifies a Youth Justice Co-ordinator of an offence so that a family conference may be convened to deal with the matter, the officer must supply the Youth Justice Co-ordinator with the names and addresses of—
	(a)	the guardians of the youth; and
	(b)	any relatives of the youth who may, in the opinion of the officer, be able to participate usefully in the family conference; and
	(c)	any other person who has had a close association with the youth and may, in the opinion of the authorised officer, be able to participate usefully in the family conference; and
	(d)	the victim of the offence and, if the victim is a youth, the guardians of the victim.
	(2)	The Youth Justice Co-ordinator—
	(a)	will fix a time and place for the family conference; and
	(b)	will issue a notice requiring the youth to attend at that time and place; and
	(c)	will invite the persons referred to in subsection (1) and, in the case of the victim of the offence, will invite the victim to bring along some person of the victim's choice to provide assistance and support; and
	(d)	will invite other persons, whom the Youth Justice Co-ordinator, after consultation with the youth and members of the youth's family, thinks appropriate to attend the conference at that time and place.
11—Family conference, how constituted
	(1)	A family conference consists of—
	(a)	a Youth Justice Co-ordinator (who will chair the conference); and
	(b)	the youth; and
	(c)	such of the persons invited to attend the conference as attend in response to that invitation; and
	(d)	a representative of the Commissioner of Police.
	(2)	A family conference should act if possible by consensus of the youth and such of the persons invited to attend the conference as attend in response to that invitation.
	(3)	A decision by a family conference is not however to be regarded as validly made unless the youth and the representative of the Commissioner of Police concur in the decision.
	(4)	A youth is entitled to be advised by a legal practitioner at a family conference.
	(5)	If a family conference fails to reach a decision, the Youth Justice Co-ordinator must refer the matter to the Court and the Court may decide any question, and exercise any power, that could have been decided or exercised by the family conference.
12—Powers of family conference
	(1)	A family conference has the following powers:
	(a)	the conference may administer a formal caution against further offending;
	(b)	the conference may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to pay compensation to the victim of the offence;
	(c)	the conference may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to carry out a specified period (not exceeding 300 hours) of community service;
	(d)	the conference may require the youth to enter into an undertaking to apologise to the victim of the offence or to do anything else that may be appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
	(2)	In exercising powers under this section, the family conference must have regard to sentences imposed for comparable offences by the Court.
	(3)	If a formal caution is administered, the caution must be put in writing and acknowledged in writing by the youth.
	(4)	An undertaking will have a maximum duration of 12 months.
	(5)	If a youth enters into an undertaking to pay compensation, a copy of the undertaking must be filed with the Registrar and payments of compensation must be made to the Registrar who will disburse the compensation to the victims named in the undertaking.
	(6)	If a youth enters into an undertaking to carry out community service, a copy of the undertaking must be filed with the Registrar.
	(7)	If a youth enters into an undertaking under this section to apologise to the victim of the offence, the apology must be made in the presence of an adult person approved by the family conference or a Youth Justice Co-ordinator.
	(8)	If a youth—
	(a)	fails to attend at the time appointed for a family conference; or
	(b)	does not comply with a requirement of the family conference; or
	(c)	does not comply with an undertaking under this section,
a police officer may lay a charge before the Court for the offence in relation to which the conference was convened.
	(9)	A charge may be laid under subsection (8) even though a period of limitation relating to the commencement of proceeding for the relevant offence has expired, but the charge must be laid not more than 12 months after the expiration of that period of limitation.
	(10)	If—
	(a)	a youth is cautioned, and no further requirements are made of the youth, under this section; or
	(b)	all requirements made of the youth under this section (including obligations arising from an undertaking given by the youth) are complied with,
the youth is not liable to be prosecuted for the offence.
	(11)	If a family conference deals with an offence under this Division, the Youth Justice Co‑ordinator must—
	(a)	ask the victim of the offence whether he or she wishes to be informed of the identity of the offender and how the offence has been dealt with; and
	(b)	if the victim indicates that he or she does wish to have that information—give the victim that information.

Division 4—Limitation on publicity
13—Limitation on publicity
	(1)	A person must not publish, by radio, television, newspaper or in any other way, a report of any action or proceeding taken against a youth by a police officer or family conference under this Part if the report—
	(a)	identifies the youth or contains information tending to identify the youth; or
	(b)	reveals the name, address or school, or includes any particulars, picture or film that may lead to the identification, of any youth who is in any way concerned in the action or proceeding; or
	(c)	identifies the victim or any other person involved in the action or proceeding (other than a person involved in an official capacity) without the consent of that person.
	(1a)	However, a person who proposes to make a documentary or undertake an educational or research project about juvenile justice matters may, in accordance with rules of court, apply to the Youth Court for permission to publish, for the purposes of the documentary or project, a report identifying a youth that would otherwise be suppressed from publication under this section.
	(1b)	An application under subsection (1a) must be endorsed with the written consent of the youth and a guardian of the youth (the consenting guardian) to publication of the report.
	(1c)	Subject to subsection (1d), the Court must give the following persons reasonable notice of the time and place of the hearing of the application:
	(a)	the applicant; and
	(b)	the youth; and
	(c)	the guardians of the youth; and
	(d)	such other persons as the Court believes have a proper interest in the matter.
	(1d)	The Court is not obliged to give notice of the hearing to a person whose whereabouts cannot, after reasonable enquiries, be ascertained.
	(1e)	In determining an application under subsection (1a), the Court must regard the welfare of the youth as the paramount consideration and, to that end, must take into account—
	(a)	the impact on the youth of publication of the report; and
	(b)	the purpose to be served by publication of the report; and
	(c)	whether publication of the report is necessary for the purpose of the documentary or project; and
	(d)	considerations of public interest; and
	(e)	any other matter that is, in the Court's view, relevant.
	(1f)	On completing the hearing of the application the Court may make any of the following orders:
	(a)	an order permitting publication of the report as part of the documentary or project subject to—
	(i)	a condition that the youth and the consenting guardian are to be given a reasonable opportunity to view the documentary or project after its completion but before its release to the public; and
	(ii)	a condition that, if the documentary or project is so viewed, it must not be released to the public until at least 30 days after the viewing; and
	(iii)	such other conditions (if any) as the Court thinks fit; or
	(b)	an order refusing the application; or
	(c)	any ancillary order it thinks fit (including an order as to costs).
	(1g)	The youth or consenting guardian may, at any time before the release to the public of a documentary or project the subject of an order under subsection (1f)(a), apply to the Court for revocation or variation of the order on the ground that the report included or to be included in the documentary or project of the proceedings under this Part—
	(a)	is not a fair report of the proceedings; or
	(b)	includes material not in the contemplation of the Court at the time the order was made,
and that the release to the public of the documentary or project while it contains that report would prejudice the welfare of the youth.
	(1h)	If an application for revocation or variation is made under subsection (1g), the documentary or project must not, while it contains the report to which the application relates, be released to the public until the application has been determined or withdrawn.
	(1i)	The Court must give the following persons reasonable notice of the time and place of the hearing of an application under subsection (1g):
	(a)	the youth; and
	(b)	the consenting guardian; and
	(c)	the person who was the applicant for the order sought to be revoked or varied.
	(1j)	On completing the hearing of an application under subsection (1g), the Court may make any of the following orders:
	(a)	an order revoking the order the subject of the application; or
	(b)	an order varying or revoking any condition of the order or imposing a new condition; or
	(c)	an order refusing the application; or
	(d)	any ancillary order it thinks fit (including an order as to costs).
	(2)	A person employed or engaged in the administration of this Act must not divulge information about a youth against whom any action or proceeding has been taken under this Part except in the course of his or her official functions or where the information is given to a person for the purposes of a publication the subject of an order under subsection (1f)(a).
	(3)	A person who contravenes this section or a condition of publication imposed under subsection (1f) or (1j) is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $10 000.
	(4)	This section does not prevent the disclosure of information under any other provision of this Act.
	(5)	For the purposes of this section, a documentary or project is released to the public when it is released for viewing by persons other than those involved in the making or undertaking of it.

Part 3—Arrest and custody of suspected offenders
14—Application of general law
	(1)	The law of the State relating to criminal investigation, arrest, bail, remand and custody before proceedings for an offence are finally determined applies, subject to this Act, to youths with necessary adaptations and any further adaptations and modifications that may be set out in the regulations.
	(2)	If a youth is arrested on suspicion of having committed an offence, and the youth is to be dealt with under this Act for the offence, the officer responsible for the arrest and custody of the youth must, as soon as practicable after the arrest—
	(a)	explain to the youth the nature of the allegations against him or her; and
	(b)	inform the youth of his or her right to seek legal representation; and
	(c)	take all reasonable steps to inform—
	(i)	the guardian of the youth;
	(ii)	if a guardian is not available—an adult person nominated by the youth who has had a close association with the youth or has been counselling, advising or aiding the youth,
of the arrest and invite him or her to be present during any interrogation or investigation to which the youth is subjected while in custody.
15—How youth is to be dealt with if not granted bail
	(1)	Subject to this section, if a youth is not granted bail under the Bail Act 1985, the youth must be detained by the Chief Executive with a person (where practicable), or in a place (other than a prison), approved by the Minister.
	(1a)	Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to—
	(a)	a youth who is already, or has previously been, in custody in a prison; or
	(b)	a person who, at the time bail is not granted, is aged 21 years or more (regardless of the alleged age of the person at the time of the relevant alleged offence).
	(2)	If a youth is arrested outside an area specified in the regulations and it is not reasonably practicable to detain the youth as provided by subsection (1), the youth may be detained—
	(a)	in a police prison; or
	(b)	in a police station, watch-house or lock-up approved by the Minister.
	(3)	If a youth is detained in a police prison, police station, watch-house or lock-up in accordance with subsection (2), the person for the time being in charge of the police prison, police station, watch-house or lock-up must take such steps as are reasonably practicable to keep the youth from coming into contact with any adult person detained in that place.

Part 4—Court proceedings against a youth
Division A1—Interpretation
15A—Interpretation
For the purposes of this Part, the following matters must be taken into consideration by the DPP or the Magistrates Court (as the case requires) in deciding whether a youth poses an appreciable risk to the safety of the community:
	(a)	the gravity of the offence with which the youth is to be charged;
	(b)	if the offence to be charged is part of a pattern of repeated offending by the youth—that fact and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence;
	(ba)	if the youth is a serious firearm offender;
	(c)	the degree to which the youth has previously complied—
	(i)	with any undertaking entered into by, or requirement or obligation imposed on, the youth under this Act; or
	(ii)	with any bail agreement under the Bail Act 1985;
	(d)	if the youth has previously been detained under this Act—
	(i)	the behaviour of the youth while so detained; and
	(ii)	any rehabilitation of the youth while so detained;
	(e)	if the youth has previously been released on licence under this Act—the degree to which the youth complied with any condition specified in the licence;
	(f)	any other matter that the DPP or the Magistrates Court (as the case may be) thinks fit in the circumstances.

Division 1—The charge
16—Where charge is to be laid
	(1)	Subject to this section, if a youth is to be charged with an offence to which this Act applies, the charge must be laid before the Court.
	(2)	The DPP may, instead of laying a charge of an offence against a youth before the Court, lay the charge before the Magistrates Court if—
	(a)	the youth is charged with a major indictable offence; and
Note—
See also section 102 of the Summary Procedure Act 1921.
	(b)	the DPP is of the opinion that the youth poses an appreciable risk to the safety of the community and should, therefore, be dealt with in the same way as an adult.
17—Proceedings on charge laid before Youth Court
	(1)	Subject to this Act, the Court will deal with a charge laid before the Court in the same way as the Magistrates Court deals with a charge of a summary offence and, in doing so, has the powers of the Magistrates Court.
	(2)	The Court may, even though a charge has been laid, refer the subject matter of the charge (after the youth's guilt has been established either by admission or by the Court's findings) to be dealt with by a police officer or by a family conference.
	(3)	If—
	(a)	the offence with which the youth is charged is a homicide, or an offence consisting of an attempt to commit, or assault with intent to commit homicide; or
	(b)	the offence with which the youth is charged is an indictable offence and the youth, after obtaining independent legal advice, asks to be dealt with in the same way as an adult; or
	(c)	the Court or the Supreme Court determines, on the application of the DPP or a police prosecutor, that the youth should be dealt with in the same way as an adult because of the gravity of the offence, or because the offence is part of a pattern of repeated offending,
the Court will conduct a preliminary examination of the charge, and may commit the youth for trial or sentence (as the case requires) to the Supreme Court or the District Court.
17A—Proceedings on charge laid before Magistrates Court
	(1)	Subject to this section, Part 5 of the Summary Procedure Act 1921 applies to the procedure to be followed in relation to a charge of an offence that has, under this Division, been laid against a youth before the Magistrates Court.
	(2)	At the conclusion of the preliminary examination, the Magistrates Court may—
	(a)	if of the opinion that the youth poses an appreciable risk to the safety of the community—commit the youth for trial or sentence (as the case requires) to the Supreme Court or the District Court;
	(b)	in any other case—commit the youth for trial or sentence (as the case requires) to the Court.

Division 2—Procedure on preliminary examination and trial in Youth Court
18—Procedure on trial of offences
The procedure to be followed by and the powers of the Court on the trial of an offence are, subject to this Act, to be the same as for the trial of a summary offence in the Magistrates Court.
19—Committal for trial
If a preliminary examination is to be conducted by the Court, the procedure to be followed by and the powers of the Court are, subject to this Act, the same as for a preliminary examination in the Magistrates Court.
20—Change of plea
Even though a plea of guilty to a charge has been entered, the Court may direct at any stage of proceedings before their final determination that the plea be withdrawn and a plea of not guilty entered.
21—Recording of convictions
If the Court finds a youth guilty of a major indictable offence, the Court should record a conviction for the offence unless there are in the opinion of the Court special reasons for not doing so, and a formal record of those is made in the Court's reasons for judgment.

Division 3—Sentence
22—Power to sentence
	(1)	Subject to this Division, the Court has the same powers to sentence a youth for an offence—
	(a)	if the offence is a summary offence—as the Magistrates Court; or
	(b)	if the offence is an indictable offence—as the District Court.
	(2)	Any powers conferred on a Minister of the Crown by the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 are exercisable, in relation to a youth or a sentence imposed on a youth, by a Minister assigned by the Governor to exercise such powers in relation to youths.
23—Limitation on power to impose custodial sentence
	(1)	Subject to subsection (6), the Court cannot sentence a youth to imprisonment.
	(2)	If an offence of which a youth is convicted, or found guilty, is punishable by imprisonment where committed by an adult, the Court may sentence the youth to—
	(a)	detention in a training centre for a period not exceeding three years; or
	(b)	home detention for a period not exceeding 12 months, or for periods not exceeding 12 months in aggregate over 2 years or less; or
	(c)	detention in a training centre for a period not exceeding 2 years to be followed by home detention for a period not exceeding 12 months.
	(3)	If, however, the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed for the offence is less than three years, the period of detention to which the youth is sentenced cannot exceed that maximum.
	(4)	A sentence of detention must not be imposed for an offence unless—
	(a)	the offender is a recidivist young offender or a serious firearm offender; or
	(b)	in any other case—the Court is satisfied that a sentence of a non‑custodial nature would be inadequate—
	(i)	because of the gravity or circumstances of the offence; or
	(ii)	because the offence is part of a pattern of repeated offending.
	(5)	A sentence of home detention—
	(a)	must not be imposed unless the Court is satisfied that the residence the Court proposes to specify in its order is suitable and available for the detention of the youth and that the youth will be properly maintained and cared for while detained in that place; and
	(b)	should not be imposed if the Court is not satisfied that adequate resources exist for the proper monitoring of the youth while on home detention by a home detention officer.
	(6)	If the Court sentences a youth to detention in respect of an offence and does not suspend the sentence, the following provisions apply:
	(a)	where the youth is already in custody in a prison, the youth will serve the detention, or such part of it as the Court may direct, in a prison;
	(b)	where the youth has previously served a sentence of imprisonment or detention in a prison, the Court must, unless satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances for not doing so, direct that the youth serve the detention in a prison;
	(c)	where the sentence of detention will extend past the youth's 21st birthday, the Court must, unless satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances for not doing so, direct that any period of the detention that is to be served by the youth after he or she reaches 21 years of age is to be served in a prison rather than in a training centre.
	(7)	The Correctional Services Act 1982 applies to and in relation to a youth serving detention in a prison under subsection (6).
24—Limitation on power to impose fine
The Court may not impose a fine exceeding $2 500 for an offence.
25—Limitation on power to require community service
	(1)	The Court may not require a youth to carry out community service if the aggregate requirement to which a youth is subject at any one time exceeds 500 hours.
	(2)	The period, to be stipulated by the Court, over which community service is to be performed may not exceed 18 months.
26—Limitation on Court's power to require bond
	(1)	The Court may not, in the exercise of its power to sentence a youth for an offence, require the youth to enter into a bond.
	(2)	The Court may, however, by order of the Court, impose an obligation of the kind that might otherwise have been imposed under a bond.
	(3)	The obligations imposed under subsection (2) may, for example, include the following:
	(a)	an obligation to submit to supervision as ordered by the Court;
	(b)	an obligation to participate in a specified programme, or to attend a specified activity centre;
	(ba)	an obligation to carry out specified work (whether for the benefit of a victim of the offence or for any other person or body);
	(c)	an obligation to reside where directed by the Court.
	(4)	A person who fails to comply with an obligation imposed under this section is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $2 500 or detention for 6 months (or both).
	(5)	If an order has been made under this section imposing an obligation that a person be supervised for a period that will extend past the person's 21st birthday, the Court may, on application by the person or the Chief Executive, direct that, after the person reaches 21 years of age, the person be supervised by a community corrections officer rather than by a community youth justice officer.
	(6)	In subsection (5)—
community corrections officer means a community corrections officer under the Correctional Services Act 1982.
27—Court may require undertaking from guardians
The Court may release a youth on an undertaking on condition that the guardians of the youth enter into a supplementary undertaking with the Court—
	(a)	to guarantee the youth's compliance with the conditions of the youth's undertaking; and
	(b)	to take specified action to assist the youth's development and to guard against further offending by the youth; and
	(c)	to report at intervals stated in the supplementary undertaking on the youth's progress.
28—Power to disqualify from holding driver's licence
	(1)	If the Court is of the opinion that a youth who has been found guilty of an offence is not a fit and proper person to hold or obtain a licence to drive a motor vehicle, or that disqualification from holding such a licence is an appropriate penalty for the offence committed, the Court may make an order disqualifying the youth from holding or obtaining such a licence, except for such purposes (if any) as may be specified in the order, for a period of stated duration commencing from a specified time.
	(2)	On application by the youth, the Judge of the Court or a magistrate of the Court may, if satisfied that it is just or expedient to do so, vary or revoke any order for disqualification made under subsection (1).
	(3)	A youth is not entitled to apply to the Magistrates Court for an order removing a disqualification pursuant to section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 until after attaining the age of 18 years.

Division 4—Sentencing of youth by Supreme or District Court
29—Sentencing of youth by Supreme or District Court
	(1)	Subject to this Act, where a youth is committed to the Supreme Court or the District Court for trial, and is found guilty on trial in that court, or is committed to the Supreme Court or the District Court for sentence, that court, on sentencing the youth, may—
	(a)	deal with the youth as an adult; or
	(b)	make any order in relation to the youth that may be made by the Youth Court on sentencing a youth; or
	(c)	remand the youth to the Youth Court for sentencing.
	(2)	If a youth is found guilty by the Supreme Court or the District Court of an offence that is a lesser offence than the one on which the youth was committed for trial, the court cannot deal with the youth for that offence as if he or she were an adult unless—
	(a)	the offence is an indictable (but not minor indictable) offence; and
	(b)	the court is satisfied that, because of the gravity of the offence or the youth's history of offending, the youth should be dealt with as if he or she were an adult.
	(3)	If a youth is committed for trial or sentence in the Supreme Court or the District Court at his or her own request, the court cannot deal with the youth for the offence as if he of she were an adult unless the court is satisfied that, because of the gravity of the offence or the youth's history of offending, the youth should be dealt with as if he or she were an adult.
	(4)	A youth who is found guilty of murder—
	(a)	must be sentenced to imprisonment for life; and
	(b)	must be dealt with as an adult.

Division 5—Miscellaneous
30—Court to explain proceedings etc
	(1)	A court before which criminal proceedings are brought against a youth must satisfy itself that the youth understands the nature of those proceedings.
	(2)	If the youth is not represented by counsel or solicitor, the court—
	(a)	must explain to the youth in simple language the elements of the offence charged, the nature of the allegations against the youth and the legal implications of those allegations; and
	(b)	must provide the youth with a written statement in the prescribed form of the youth's rights in respect of legal representation and of the way to proceed in order to obtain legal advice, representation or assistance.
	(3)	If a youth is sentenced to a fine or ordered to make any other payment of money, the court must give the youth a notice stating in simple language the amount the youth must pay and the time and place at which payment is to be, or may be, made.
	(4)	Non-compliance with this section does not invalidate a judgment or order of the court.
31—Prohibition of joint charges
A youth cannot be charged jointly with an adult unless the charge is to be heard and determined by the Supreme Court or the District Court.
32—Reports
	(1)	The Chief Executive must, at the request of a court by which a youth is to be sentenced, have a report prepared on the social background and personal circumstances of the youth.
	(2)	Such a report may not contain any recommendation about sentence.
	(3)	Subject to subsection (5), no report relating to the social background or personal circumstances of a youth may be tendered to a court before the court has found an offence proved against the youth.
	(4)	If a youth is found not guilty by a court, any report relating to the social background or personal circumstances of the youth prepared for the purposes of the proceedings must be destroyed.
	(5)	This section does not prevent the court from receiving during the course of a hearing any psychiatric or medical evidence relating to the youth, insofar as that evidence is relevant to the guilt or innocence of the youth.
	(6)	The court in determining sentence must not take into account any matter given in evidence, or appearing in any report presented, to the court, if the matter is disputed by the youth, any guardian of the youth or the prosecutor, unless the court has decided that the matter has been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
33—Reports to be made available to parties
	(1)	In criminal proceedings against a youth, a copy of every report received by the court must, subject to any contrary order of the court, be furnished to the youth, to any guardian of the youth who is present in court, and to the prosecutor.
	(2)	The court may order that a copy of a report, or part of a report, be not furnished to a particular person if of the opinion that its disclosure to that person may be prejudicial to the welfare of the youth.
34—Attendance at court of guardian of youth charged with offence
	(1)	Where a youth is before a court in proceedings under this Part, the court may order a guardian or guardians to attend at the court until the proceedings are completed, unless sooner excused by the court.
	(2)	When the court makes an order under subsection (1), it may adjourn the hearing of the case and have the order served on the guardian named in the order.
	(3)	Any person who, having been served with an order under this section, fails to attend the court in compliance with the order is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $750.
35—Counsellors etc may make submissions to court
In proceedings for an offence against a youth, a court may, on the application of a person who has been counselling, advising or aiding the youth, or on the application of a guardian of the youth, hear submissions that the person or guardian wishes to make in relation to the youth.

Part 5—Custodial sentences
Division 1—Youth sentenced as adult
36—Detention of youth sentenced as adult
	(1)	Subject to any direction of the sentencing court to the contrary, a youth who has been dealt with as an adult and sentenced to imprisonment will serve that sentence in a training centre.
	(2)	If a youth is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a training centre, and the sentence of imprisonment will extend past the youth's 18th birthday, the following must occur before the youth reaches 18 years of age:
	(a)	a report on the youth's progress in detention must be provided by the Chief Executive to the sentencing court;
	(b)	the sentencing court must review the detention and, having regard to the report and any other matter the court thinks fit, direct that the imprisonment in a training centre continue or the youth be transferred to a prison.
	(3)	Subject to subsection (4), while a youth is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a training centre, this Act applies to the youth, to the exclusion of the Correctional Services Act 1982, as if the youth had been sentenced to detention in a training centre.
	(4)	The following provisions of the Correctional Services Act 1982 apply to and in relation to a youth who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a training centre:
	(b)	Division 3 of Part 6 (release on parole) applies to a youth in respect of whom a non-parole period has been fixed, with the following modifications:
	(i)	a reference to the Board will be taken to be a reference to the Training Centre Review Board;
	(ii)	a reference to a prisoner will be taken to be a reference to a youth;
	(iii)	a reference to a prison will be taken to be a reference to a training centre;
	(iv)	a reference to a community corrections officer will be taken to be a reference to a community youth justice officer under the Youth Justice Administration Act.
	(5)	If a youth who is on parole attains the age of 18 years—
	(a)	the preceding provisions of this section cease to apply in relation to the youth; and
	(b)	any reference in the parole conditions to the Training Centre Review Board will be taken to be a reference to the Parole Board; and
	(c)	any reference in the parole conditions to an officer of the Department will be taken to be a reference to a community corrections officer.

Division 1A—Detention or imprisonment in a prison
36A—Transfer following imposition of concurrent prison sentence
	(1)	If a youth who is serving a sentence of detention or imprisonment in a training centre (the youth sentence) is sentenced to imprisonment for an offence committed after turning 18 years of age and that sentence is to be served concurrently with the youth sentence, the sentencing court must, unless satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances as to why such a direction should not be made, direct that the youth be transferred to a prison to serve those sentences.
	(2)	The Correctional Services Act 1982 applies to and in relation to a youth transferred to a prison under this section.
	(3)	For the purposes of this section, a sentence of detention includes an order for detention issued for the enforcement of a community service order.

Division 2A—Home detention
37A—Conditions of home detention
	(1)	A sentence of home detention imposed on a youth by a court is subject to the following conditions:
	(a)	the youth must remain at a residence specified by the court throughout the period of home detention and must not leave that residence at any time except for the following purposes:
	(i)	remunerated employment; or
	(ii)	urgent medical or dental treatment for the youth; or
	(iii)	attendance at a course of education, training or instruction or any other activity as required by the court or as approved or directed by the home detention officer to whom the youth is assigned; or
	(iv)	any other purpose approved or directed by the home detention officer;
	(b)	the youth must be of good behaviour throughout the period;
	(c)	the youth must obey the lawful directions of the home detention officer throughout the period;
	(d)	such other conditions as the Court may specify.
	(2)	The Court may vary or revoke a condition imposed under subsection (1)(d).
	(3)	In this section—
residence includes, if the youth is an Aboriginal person, any place specified by the Court as the person's residence.
37B—Home detention officers
	(1)	On receiving a copy of an order for home detention, the Chief Executive must assign the youth to a home detention officer and may from time to time re-assign the youth to another home detention officer.
	(2)	A home detention officer to whom a youth is assigned—
	(a)	may give reasonable written directions to the youth—
	(i)	requiring the youth to take up, or not to give up, some particular course of education, training or instruction; or
	(ii)	requiring the youth to take up, or not to give up, some particular employment; or
	(iii)	requiring the youth to attend some particular counselling course; and
	(b)	may give the youth other written directions of a kind authorised by the Minister either generally or in relation to the particular youth.
	(3)	Any home detention officer may at any time—
	(a)	enter or telephone the residence of a youth serving a sentence of home detention; or
	(b)	telephone the youth's place of employment or any other place at which the youth is required or permitted to attend; or
	(c)	question any person at that residence or place,
for the purposes of ascertaining whether or not the youth is complying with the conditions to which his or her home detention is subject.
	(4)	A person must not—
	(a)	hinder a home detention officer in the exercise of powers under this section; or
	(b)	fail to answer truthfully a question put to the person by a home detention officer pursuant to those powers.
Maximum penalty: $2 500.
37C—Variation or revocation of home detention order
	(1)	The Court may vary an order for home detention if satisfied that the residence specified in the order is no longer suitable for detention of the youth and that there is some other suitable residence available for his or her detention.
	(2)	If the Court is satisfied that—
	(a)	a youth serving a sentence of home detention has breached a condition to which the home detention was subject; or
	(b)	the residence specified in the order is no longer suitable for the youth and no other suitable residence is available for his or her detention,
the Court may revoke the order for home detention.
	(3)	A youth is not in breach of the condition requiring the youth to remain at his or her residence if he or she leaves the residence for the purpose of averting or minimising a serious threat of risk or injury (to the youth or some other person).
	(4)	If the Court revokes an order for home detention it may impose some other sentence on the youth and, in doing so, must take into account the period served by the youth under the order.
	(5)	If an order for home detention is revoked on the ground of breach of condition, the Court may sentence the youth to detention for a term not exceeding the balance of the period of home detention unexpired as at the date on which the breach occurred, but a sentence of detention may not be imposed in the case of revocation on any other ground.
	(6)	The Court may, if it thinks it is necessary to do so, issue a warrant for the apprehension and detention of a youth pending determination of proceedings under this section.
37D—General provisions
	(1)	A youth is, on breaching the condition requiring the youth to remain at his or her residence, unlawfully at large.
	(2)	The Crown is not liable to maintain a youth who is serving a sentence of home detention.

Division 3—Release from detention
Subdivision 1—Training Centre Review Board
38—Establishment of Training Centre Review Board
	(1)	The Training Centre Review Board is established.
	(2)	The Training Centre Review Board consists of the following members:
	(a)	the Judge of the Court and the magistrates who are members of the principal judiciary of the Youth Court; and
	(b)	2 persons with appropriate skills and experience in working with young people, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Attorney‑General; and
	(c)	2 persons with appropriate skills and experience in working with young people, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister; and
	(ca)	2 persons with appropriate skills and experience in matters related to the impact of crime on victims and the needs of victims of crime in relation to the criminal justice system, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Attorney‑General; and
	(d)	2 persons (who must be police officers or former police officers) with appropriate skills and experience, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for the administration of the Police Act 1998; and
	(e)	2 Aboriginal persons with appropriate skills and experience, appointed by the Governor on the nomination of the Minister responsible for the administration of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.
	(3)	At least 1 of the persons appointed under subsection (2)(b), (c) and (e) must be a woman and at least 1 such person must be a man.
	(4)	An appointed member of the Training Centre Review Board holds office for such term, and on such conditions, as the Governor determines and specifies in the instrument of appointment and, on the expiration of a term of office, is eligible for reappointment.
	(5)	The Governor may appoint a suitable person to be a deputy of an appointed member of the Training Centre Review Board and such a person may act as a member of the Training Centre Review Board in the absence of that member.
	(6)	A member of the Training Centre Review Board is entitled to receive such allowances and expenses as the Governor may from time to time determine.
	(7)	The Governor may remove an appointed member of the Training Centre Review Board from office on the grounds of—
	(a)	mental or physical incapacity; or
	(b)	dishonourable conduct; or
	(c)	neglect of duty.
	(8)	The office of an appointed member of the Training Centre Review Board becomes vacant if the member—
	(a)	dies; or
	(b)	completes a term of office; or
	(c)	resigns by notice in writing given to the Attorney-General; or
	(d)	is removed from office by the Governor under subsection (7).
39—Reviews etc and proceedings of Training Centre Review Board
	(1)	The Training Centre Review Board has the following functions in respect of a youth who has been sentenced to detention in a training centre:
	(a)	to conduct a review of the progress and circumstances of the youth while in the training centre—
	(i)	at intervals of not more than 6 months; and
	(ii)	at any other time on the request of the Chief Executive;
	(b)	to hear and determine any other matter relating to the youth assigned to the Board under this Act.
	(2)	The following provisions apply in proceedings before the Training Centre Review Board under this Act in respect of a youth:
	(a)	if the youth is not a recidivist young offender—the Training Centre Review Board must be constituted of—
	(i)	a member of the Board who is a member of the Court's judiciary (who will preside at the sitting); and
	(ii)	4 of the appointed members (of whom at least 1 must be a member appointed under section 38(2)(e) if the youth is an Aboriginal youth);
	(b)	if the youth is a recidivist young offender—the Training Centre Review Board will sit as the Youth Parole Board and be constituted of—
	(i)	a member of the Board who is a member of the Court's judiciary (who will preside at the sitting); and
	(ii)	4 of the appointed members, of whom—
	(A)	at least 1 must be a member appointed under section 38(2)(ca); and
	(B)	at least 1 must be a member appointed under section 38(2)(d); and
	(C)	if the recidivist young offender is an Aboriginal youth—at least 1 must be a member appointed under section 38(2)(e).
	(3)	The Training Centre Review Board must notify the following persons of the day and time fixed by the Board for proceedings before the Board:
	(a)	the youth to whom the proceedings relate;
	(b)	a guardian of the youth;
	(c)	the Chief Executive;
	(d)	if, in relation to an offence for which the youth was detained, there is a registered victim—the registered victim.
	(4)	However, the Training Centre Review Board is not required to notify the registered victim if the victim has indicated to the Board that he or she does not wish to be so notified.
	(5)	In any proceedings before the Training Centre Review Board relating to a youth (whether or not a recidivist young offender)—
	(a)	the legal representative, and a guardian, of the youth must be given the opportunity to make submissions to the Board; and
	(b)	the registered victim may make such submissions to the Board as he or she thinks fit in writing or, by prior arrangement with the Board, in person.
	(6)	If a period of detention to which a youth has been sentenced will extend past the youth's 18th birthday, the Training Centre Review Board must, at the last periodical review before that birthday, and at each periodical review thereafter, consider whether the youth should be transferred to complete the period of detention in a prison (and, if the Board does so determine, the youth will be transferred to prison in accordance with the Board's determination).
Subdivision 2—Leave of absence
40A—Leave may be authorised by Board
	(1)	The Training Centre Review Board may authorise the Chief Executive to grant a youth, subject to conditions that the Board considers proper, periods of leave from a training centre during which the youth will not be subject to the supervision of the Chief Executive.
	(1a)	Leave granted to a youth under this section may be subject to a condition that the youth be monitored by use of an electronic device.
	(2)	The Training Centre Review Board may, by written order, revoke any period of leave granted under this section, or vary or revoke any of the conditions to which it is subject.
	(3)	A youth who is still at large after the revocation or expiry of a period of leave may be apprehended without warrant by a police officer or an officer of the Department authorised by the Minister for the purpose.
	(4)	A youth who is still at large after the expiry of a period of leave will be taken to be unlawfully at large.
	(5)	A youth is not, while still at large after revocation of a period of leave, serving his or her sentence of detention.
Subdivision 3—Conditional release and home detention
41—Application and interpretation of Subdivision
	(1)	This Subdivision does not apply to a youth—
	(a)	who has been dealt with as an adult and is serving a sentence or part of a sentence of imprisonment in a training centre; or
	(b)	to whom Division 2 applies; or
	(c)	who is serving a sentence of detention of less than 2 months.
	(2)	In this Subdivision, if a reference to the Training Centre Review Board, or the Board, is made in relation to a youth who is a recidivist young offender—
	(a)	the reference will be taken to be a reference to the Youth Parole Board; and
	(b)	in carrying out any function assigned to the Training Centre Review Board under this Subdivision, the Board must be constituted as the Youth Parole Board in accordance with section 39(2)(b).
41A—Conditional release from detention
	(1)	A youth who is serving a period of detention in a training centre may be released from detention by the Training Centre Review Board in accordance with this Subdivision.
	(2)	Subject to subsection (3a), the provisions set out below apply to the release from detention of a youth other than a recidivist young offender:
	(a)	the youth must have completed at least two thirds of the period of detention in a training centre to which he or she has been sentenced;
	(ab)	an application for release of the youth from detention may be determined by the Training Centre Review Board no earlier than 7 days before completion by the youth of at least two thirds of the period of detention in a training centre to which he or she has been sentenced;
	(b)	in determining whether the youth should be released from detention, the Training Centre Review Board—
	(i)	must be satisfied that—
	(A)	the behaviour of the youth during the period of detention has been satisfactory; and
	(B)	there is no undue risk that the youth would, if released under this Subdivision, re‑offend;
	(ii)	if, in relation to an offence for which the youth was detained, there is a registered victim—must take into consideration the impact that the release of the youth is likely to have on the registered victim and the registered victim's family;
	(c)	the release of the youth must be subject to the following conditions:
	(i)	a condition that he or she not commit any offence;
	(ii)	a condition that he or she be under the supervision of an officer of the Department and that the youth obey the directions of that officer;
	(iia)	a condition prohibiting the youth from possessing a firearm or ammunition (both within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1977) or any part of a firearm;
	(iib)	a condition requiring the youth to submit to such tests (including testing without notice) for gunshot residue as may be reasonably required by an officer of the Department who is supervising the youth;
	(iii)	any other condition that the Board thinks fit;
	(d)	a decision of the majority of the Board is a decision of the Board.
	(3)	Subject to subsection (3a), the provisions set out below apply to the release from detention of a youth who is a recidivist young offender:
	(a)	the recidivist young offender must have completed at least four fifths of the period of detention in a training centre to which he or she has been sentenced;
	(ab)	an application for the release of the recidivist young offender may be determined by the Youth Parole Board no earlier than 7 days before completion by the offender of at least four fifths of the period of detention in a training centre to which he or she has been sentenced;
	(b)	in determining whether the recidivist young offender should be released from detention—
	(i)	despite any other provision of this Act, the paramount consideration of the Youth Parole Board must be the safety of the community; and
	(ii)	the Youth Parole Board must also take the following matters into consideration:
	(A)	the likelihood of the recidivist young offender re‑offending if released from detention;
	(B)	the likelihood of the recidivist young offender complying with the conditions of release;
	(C)	if, in relation to an offence for which the recidivist young offender was sentenced to a period of detention in a training centre, there is a registered victim—the impact that the release of the recidivist young offender is likely to have on the registered victim and the registered victim's family;
	(D)	the behaviour of the recidivist young offender while in detention;
	(E)	the behaviour of the recidivist young offender during any previous release from detention;
	(F)	any reports provided to the Board as required by the Board;
	(G)	the probable circumstances of the recidivist young offender after release from detention;
	(H)	any other matters that the Board thinks are relevant;
	(c)	the release of the recidivist young offender must be subject to the following conditions:
	(i)	a condition that he or she not commit any offence;
	(ii)	a condition that he or she be under the supervision of an officer of the Department and that he or she obey the directions of that officer;
	(iia)	a condition prohibiting the youth from possessing a firearm or ammunition (both within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1977) or any part of a firearm;
	(iib)	a condition requiring the youth to submit to such tests (including testing without notice) for gunshot residue as may be reasonably required by an officer of the Department who is supervising the youth;
	(iii)	any other condition that the Board thinks fit;
	(d)	a decision of the majority of the Board is a decision of the Board.
	(3a)	The following subsections do not apply in relation to release by the Board of a youth on home detention under section 41B:
	(a)	subsection (2)(a);
	(b)	subsection (2)(ab);
	(c)	subsection (3)(a);
	(d)	subsection (3)(ab).
	(4)	A condition of release of a youth under this section may, for any proper reason, be varied or revoked at any time as follows:
	(a)	in the case of a condition under subsection (2)(c)—by the Training Centre Review Board;
	(b)	in the case of a condition under subsection (3)(c)—by the Youth Parole Board.
	(4a)	The Board may only vary or revoke the conditions imposed by subsection (2)(c)(iia) and (iib), or subsection (3)(c)(iia) and (iib), on the release from detention of a youth if the youth satisfies the Board that—
	(a)	there are cogent reasons to do so; and
	(b)	the possession of a firearm, ammunition or part of a firearm by the youth does not represent an undue risk to the safety of the public.
	(5)	If, in relation to an offence for which a youth was detained, there is a registered victim and the release of the youth under this section is subject to a condition that relates to the victim or the victim's family, the Training Centre Review Board must notify the victim of the terms of the condition.
	(6)	However, the Training Centre Review Board is not required to notify the registered victim if—
	(a)	the victim has indicated to the Board that he or she does not wish to be so notified; or
	(b)	the Board is satisfied that, in the circumstances of the case, it is not appropriate to so notify the victim.
	(7)	A decision of the Training Centre Review Board to notify or not notify a victim of the terms of any such condition is final and is not reviewable by a court.
	(8)	Subject to this Subdivision, the conditions on which a youth is released from a training centre under this Subdivision are binding on the youth for the unexpired period of the detention order.
41B—Release on condition of home detention
	(1)	The Training Centre Review Board may, on the application of the Chief Executive or on its own initiative, release a youth on condition that the youth remain at a residence specified by the Board for the remainder of the unexpired balance of the term of detention or such shorter period as the Board may specify and, if a youth is released on such a condition, the provisions of Division 2A (except for subsections (4), (5) and (6) of section 37C and section 37D(1)) apply as if—
	(a)	the order of the Board were a sentence of home detention imposed by the Court; and
	(b)	a reference to the Court were a reference to the Board.
	(2)	The Training Centre Review Board—
	(a)	must not release a youth on home detention unless it is satisfied that accommodation is available at the residence it proposes to specify; and
	(b)	should not release a youth on home detention if it is not satisfied that adequate resources exist for the proper monitoring of the youth while on home detention by a home detention officer.
41C—What happens if youth fails to observe condition of release
	(1)	If a police officer or the Minister considers that a youth has failed to observe any condition imposed by the Training Centre Review Board under this Subdivision, the police officer or the Minister (as the case may be) (the applicant) may apply to the Board for an order that the youth be returned to a training centre.
	(2)	Subject to subsection (3), the applicant must cause a copy of an application under subsection (1) to be served on the youth and a guardian of the youth, and the application must be endorsed with a notice of the place, date and time for the hearing of the application.
	(3)	If the applicant believes on reasonable grounds that, if served with any such application, the youth would be likely to abscond, the applicant may apply to the Youth Court—
	(a)	to issue a warrant for the apprehension of the youth; and
	(b)	to dispense with service of the application.
	(4)	The Court will not grant an application under subsection (3) unless satisfied, by information given on oath, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that, if served with the application, the youth would be likely to abscond.
	(5)	If—
	(a)	a youth on whom an application is to be served cannot be found; or
	(b)	a youth, having been served with the application, fails to attend before the Training Centre Review Board on an application,
a member of the Board may apply to the Youth Court for a warrant for the apprehension of the youth or may, with the concurrence of a second member of the Board, issue such a warrant.
	(6)	The Court must, on application under subsection (5), issue a warrant for the apprehension of the youth unless it is apparent, on the face of the application, that no reasonable grounds exist for the issue of the warrant.
	(7)	A warrant issued under this section authorises the apprehension of the youth referred to in the warrant by a police officer or an officer of the Department authorised for the purpose.
	(8)	A youth who has been apprehended on a warrant issued under this section must be brought before the Training Centre Review Board as soon as reasonably practicable, and may be detained by the Chief Executive in any place (other than a prison) approved by the Minister until brought before the Board.
	(9)	The Training Centre Review Board may order that a youth who has been brought before the Board under this section be returned to detention under the original order if satisfied that the youth has contravened a condition.
	(10)	If a youth is returned to detention under the original order—
	(a)	he or she is liable to serve the balance of the sentence unexpired as at the date on which the breach of condition occurred; and
	(b)	the youth will be taken to have been serving that balance of sentence during any period spent in custody pending determination of the proceedings for breach of condition.
	(11)	However, instead of exercising its powers under subsection (9), the Training Centre Review Board may impose a further condition on the youth's release requiring the youth to perform a specified number of hours of community service if the Board is of the opinion that the breach of condition was not so serious as to warrant returning the youth to detention.
Subdivision 4—Absolute release from detention by Court
42—Absolute release from detention by Court
	(1)	Where a youth who was detained by order of the Youth Court has been released from custody, the Court may, on the application of the youth, a guardian of the youth, or the Chief Executive made on a recommendation of the Training Centre Review Board, order that the youth be discharged absolutely from the detention order.
	(2)	An application under this section cannot be made if a previous application in respect of the youth has been determined by the Court within the preceding period of three months.
	(3)	The Court may, for the purposes of determining an application under this section, hear, or receive submissions from, any person it thinks fit.

Division 3A—Directions relating to firearms etc
42A—Training Centre Review Board may direct youth to surrender firearm etc
	(1)	The Training Centre Review Board may, in relation to the release from detention of a youth that is subject to the condition imposed by section 41A(2)(c)(iia) or (3)(c)(iia), direct the youth to surrender forthwith at a police station specified by the Training Centre Review Board any firearm, ammunition or part of a firearm owned or possessed by the defendant.
	(2)	A youth who refuses or fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.
	(3)	No criminal liability attaches to a person to the extent that he or she is complying with a direction under this section.
	(4)	The Commissioner of Police must deal with any surrendered firearm, ammunition or part of a firearm in accordance with the scheme set out in the regulations.
	(5)	No compensation is payable by the Crown or any other person in respect of the exercise of a function or power under this section.
	(6)	The regulations may provide for the payment, recovery or waiver of fees in respect of this section.

Division 5—Escape from custody
48—Escape from custody
	(1)	A youth who is subject to detention—
	(a)	who escapes from a training centre or from any person who has the lawful custody of the youth; or
	(b)	who is otherwise unlawfully at large,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: Detention for 6 months.
	(2)	A term of detention to which a youth is sentenced for an offence against this section must be served immediately and any other detention or imprisonment to which the youth is liable is suspended while that term is being served.
	(3)	If the youth is in prison at the time at which a sentence imposed under this section is due to commence, the sentence must be served in prison.
	(4)	A youth is not, while unlawfully at large, serving his or her sentence of detention.
	(5)	For the purposes of this section, a youth is subject to detention if the youth—
	(a)	is subject to detention in a training centre or other place (not being a prison) by order of a court; or
	(b)	is in the custody of an escort under Division 4.
	(6)	This section does not apply to a youth serving a sentence of home detention or a youth who has been released on home detention by the Training Centre Review Board in accordance with section 41.

Part 6—Community service and other work related orders
49—Community service and work orders cannot be imposed unless there is a placement for the youth
	(1)	No order, direction or requirement can be made by virtue of which a youth will be required to perform community service or participate in a particular work project, programme or camp unless there is, or will be within a reasonable time, a suitable placement for the youth in a community service programme, or in that work project, programme or camp.
	(2)	When a court sentences a youth to community service, it must nominate an appropriate person who is, on the satisfactory completion by the youth of the community service, to certify that fact to the court.

Part 8—Miscellaneous
57—Determination of a person's age
	(1)	A court, family conference, or police officer will, in determining the age of a person for the purpose of this Act, act on the best evidence or information that is reasonably available but, in the absence of any such evidence or information, may itself estimate the age of the person.
	(2)	If, in any proceedings before a court, it becomes apparent to the court that the person the subject of those proceedings should, by reason of age, be dealt with in some other court, the court may remand that person to appear in the appropriate court.
58—Prior offences
	(1)	If a person has been dealt with under this Act by a police officer or a family conference, and the question of prior offences subsequently arises in proceedings relating to offences committed by that person as an adult, the offences for which the person was dealt with by the police officer or family conference will be disregarded.
	(2)	Records of admissions of guilt on the basis of which a youth was dealt with by a police officer or family conference under this Act are admissible as evidence of prior offending in subsequent proceedings relating to offences committed before the youth reached 18 years of age but any offences so dealt with will be regarded as of minor significance.
59—Detention and search by officers of Department
An officer of the Department authorised by the Chief Executive for the purpose is entitled to the lawful custody of a youth against whom proceedings under this Act have been, or are about to be, brought, while that youth is being conveyed to or from a court, or while the youth is within the precincts of the court, and may, at any time, search the youth and remove any object that the officer considers may cause injury or damage to any person or property.
59A—Power of arrest by officers of the Department
	(1)	An officer of the Department may, without warrant, apprehend any youth who has escaped from custody or who the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is otherwise unlawfully at large.
	(2)	An officer of the Department may, in exercising powers under subsection (1), break into any premises where the officer reasonably suspects the youth to be.
	(3)	A youth apprehended under this section must be returned forthwith to a training centre.
	(4)	However, if the youth is arrested outside an area specified in the regulations, the youth may be detained—
	(a)	with a person or in a place (other than a prison) approved by the Minister; or
	(b)	if it is not reasonably practicable to detain the youth as provided by paragraph (a), in a police prison, or in a police station, watch‑house or lock‑up approved by the Minister,
but only until such time as it is reasonably practicable to transfer the youth to a training centre.
	(5)	The person for the time being in charge of a police prison, police station, watch-house or lock-up in which a youth is detained under this section must take such steps as are reasonably practicable to keep the youth from coming into contact with any adult person detained in that place.
60—Hindering an officer of the Department
A person who hinders an officer of the Department in the exercise of powers under this Act is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $2 500.
61—Issue of warrant
No person may issue an order for the removal of a youth from any place, or a warrant for the arrest of a youth, unless the allegations made in respect of the youth by the person seeking the order or warrant have been substantiated on oath or by affidavit.
62—Detention of youths in emergencies
	(1)	Despite any other provision of this Act, if the Minister is of the opinion that an emergency has arisen (whether out of an industrial dispute or any other circumstance) by virtue of which it is impossible or impracticable to detain youths in training centres or other approved places as provided by this Act, a youth who is to be detained under this Act may be detained—
	(a)	in a police prison; or
	(b)	in a police station, watch-house or lock-up approved by the Minister,
until the emergency is, in the opinion of the Minister, over.
	(2)	The person for the time being in charge of the place in which a youth is being detained under this section must take such steps as are reasonably practicable to keep the youth from coming into contact with any adult person being detained in the same place.
63—Transfer of youths in detention to other training centre or prison
	(1)	If a youth has been detained in, or remanded to, a training centre pursuant to an order of a court, the Chief Executive may, in such circumstances as the Chief Executive thinks fit, direct that the youth be removed and placed in some other training centre.
	(2)	If a person who is of or above the age of 18 years is detained in, or remanded to, a training centre or another place pursuant to an order of a court, the person or the Chief Executive may apply to the Youth Court for an order that the person be transferred to a prison for the remainder of the period of detention or remand.
	(3)	The Youth Court may not make an order under subsection (2) unless satisfied that, in the circumstances, a prison would be an appropriate place for the person to be held for the remainder of the period of detention or remand.
	(4)	If a person who is of or above the age of 17 years has been remanded to, or is being detained in, a training centre or another place pursuant to an order of a court, the Chief Executive may apply to the Youth Court for an order that the person be transferred to a prison for the remainder of the period of remand or detention.
	(5)	The Youth Court may not make an order under subsection (4) unless satisfied that—
	(a)	the person—
	(i)	cannot be properly controlled in that training centre or other place; or
	(ii)	has, within the period of 14 days preceding the date of the application, been found guilty of assaulting a person employed, or detained, in that training centre or other place; or
	(iii)	has persistently incited others in the training centre or other place to cause a disturbance; or
	(iv)	has escaped or attempted to escape from the training centre; or
	(b)	the person's needs for rehabilitation, care, correction and guidance cannot be met in that training centre or other place and it is in the best interests of the person for him or her to be transferred to a prison.
	(6)	If the Youth Court is satisfied, on an application under subsection (4), that the person is likely to be a danger to others, the Court may order that the person be held in custody in a prison until the Court has determined the application.
	(7)	The Youth Court may, on the application of the Chief Executive, the person or a guardian of the person, revoke an order made under subsection (4).
	(8)	If a person is held in custody in a prison by order under this section, the Correctional Services Act 1982 applies to and in relation to that person.
	(9)	For the purposes of determining an application under this section, the Youth Court must be constituted of the Judge of the Court or a magistrate.
63A—Effect of remand in prison
	(1)	If a youth who is serving a sentence of detention or imprisonment in a training centre (a youth sentence) is remanded to a prison in relation to an offence alleged to have been committed after turning 18 years of age (an adult offence), the youth must be transferred to a prison and will be taken to be serving the youth sentence during the period of the remand.
	(2)	If, at the end of a period of remand in prison for an adult offence—
	(a)	a youth sentence is still running; and
	(b)	no immediately servable sentence of imprisonment was imposed for the adult offence,
the youth must be transferred to a training centre.
	(3)	The Correctional Services Act 1982 applies to and in relation to a youth transferred to a prison under subsection (1).
	(4)	For the purposes of this section, a sentence of detention includes an order for detention issued for the enforcement of a community service order.
63B—Application of Correctional Services Act 1982 to youth with non-parole period
If a youth is serving a non-parole period in a training centre, Division 3 of Part 6 (release on parole) of the Correctional Services Act 1982 applies to and in relation to the youth as if the youth were a prisoner in a prison subject to the following modifications:
	(a)	a reference to the Parole Board will be taken to be a reference to the Training Centre Review Board;
	(b)	a reference to a community corrections officer will be taken to be a reference to a community youth justice officer under the Youth Justice Administration Act.
63C—Restrictions on reports of proceedings
	(1)	A person must not publish, by radio, television, newspaper or in any other way, a report of proceedings in which a child or youth is alleged to have committed an offence, if—
	(a)	the court before which the proceedings are heard prohibits publication of any report of the proceedings; or
	(b)	the report—
	(i)	identifies the child or youth or contains information tending to identify the child or youth; or
	(ii)	reveals the name, address or school, or includes any particulars, picture or film that may lead to the identification, of any child or youth who is concerned in those proceedings, either as a party or a witness.
	(2)	The court before which the proceedings are heard may, on such conditions as it thinks fit, permit the publication of particulars, pictures or films that would otherwise be suppressed from publication under subsection (1)(b).
	(3)	A person who contravenes this section, or a condition imposed under subsection (2), is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: $10 000.
64—Information about youth may be given in certain circumstances
	(1)	If a youth is proceeded against or dealt with under this Act for an alleged offence, a person who has suffered injury, loss or damage in consequence of the circumstances alleged to constitute the offence is entitled, on application in writing to the Commissioner of Police, to be informed of the name and address of that youth.
65—Regulations
	(1)	The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.
	(2)	The regulations may, for example—
	(a)	regulate the administration and management of training centres; and
	(b)	regulate the practice and procedure of the Training Centre Review Board; and
	(c)	prescribe forms to be used under this Act; and
	(d)	prescribe the procedures to be observed in relation to the detention of a youth prior to being dealt with by a court, or while a youth is being conveyed to or from any court, or while a youth is in attendance at any court; and
	(e)	prescribe fines, not exceeding $1 250 in each case, for breach of the regulations.

Legislative history
Notes
	•	Amendments of this version that are uncommenced are not incorporated into the text.
	•	Please note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.
	•	Earlier versions of this Act (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.
	•	For further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.
Principal Act and amendments
New entries appear in bold.
Year	No	Title	Assent	Commencement	
1993	57	Young Offenders Act 1993	27.5.1993	1.1.1994 (Gazette 4.11.1993 p2178)	
1994	35	Statutes Amendment (Truth in Sentencing) Act 1994	2.6.1994	1.8.1994 (Gazette 14.7.1994 p69)	
1995	85	Statutes Amendment (Courts Administration Staff) Act 1995	30.11.1995	14.12.1995 (Gazette 14.12.1995 p1641)	
1996	68	Statutes Amendment (Sentencing of Young Offenders) Act 1996	15.8.1996	8.10.1996 (Gazette 29.8.1996 p810)	
1998	41	Statutes Amendment (Young Offenders) Act 1998	13.8.1998	Pt 4 (ss 10—15)—1.10.1998 (Gazette 10.9.1998 p815)	
1999	42	Statutes Amendment and Repeal (Justice Portfolio) Act 1999	5.8.1999	Pt 13 (ss 57—59)—3.10.1999 (Gazette 23.9.1999 p1208)	
2000	18	Statutes Amendment (Warrants of Apprehension) Act 2000	1.6.2000	Pt 4 (ss 6—11)—1.7.2000 (Gazette 15.6.2000 p3131)	
2000	33	Young Offenders (Publication of Information) Amendment Act 2000	6.7.2000	20.8.2000 (Gazette 10.8.2000 p444)	
2000	57	Statutes Amendment and Repeal (Attorney-General's Portfolio) Act 2000	20.7.2000	Pt 16 (s 32)—14.8.2000 (Gazette 10.8.2000 p444)	
2004	23	Statutes Amendment (Courts) Act 2004	8.7.2004	Pt 10 (s 28)—1.9.2004 (Gazette 26.8.2004 p3402)	
2007	57	Statutes Amendment (Young Offenders) Act 2007	29.11.2007	Pt 4 (ss 6—11)—3.2.2008 (Gazette 31.1.2008 p349)	
2009	52	Statutes Amendment (Recidivist Young Offenders and Youth Parole Board) Act 2009	5.11.2009	Pt 4 (ss 12—23) and Pt 5 (s 24)—27.6.2010 (Gazette 17.6.2010 p3077)	
2009	63	Correctional Services (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2009	26.11.2009	Sch 1 (cll 1 & 2)—1.1.2010 (Gazette 10.12.2009 p6167)	
2009	84	Statutes Amendment (Public Sector Consequential Amendments) Act 2009	10.12.2009	Pt 168 (ss 381 & 382)—1.2.2010 (Gazette 28.1.2010 p320)	
2012	17	Statutes Amendment (Attorney-General's Portfolio) Act 2012	24.5.2012	Pt 13 (s 25)—5.8.2012 (Gazette 2.8.2012 p3302)	
2012	33	Statutes Amendment (Serious Firearm Offences) Act 2012	27.9.2012	Pt 7 (ss 32—37)—4.3.2013 (Gazette 21.2.2013 p485)	
2013	31	Statutes Amendment (Fines Enforcement and Recovery) Act 2013	1.8.2013	Pt 12 (s 50)—3.2.2014 (Gazette 30.1.2014 p422)	
2013	61	Statutes Amendment (Young Offenders) Act 2013	14.11.2013	Pt 2 (ss 3—5) & Sch 1—14.11.2013	
2015	46	Firearms Act 2015	17.12.2015	Sch 1 (cl 23)—1.7.2017 (Gazette 27.6.2017 p2619)	
2016	6	Youth Justice Administration Act 2016	17.3.2016	Sch 1 (cll 13—28)—1.12.2016 (Gazette 8.9.2016 p3677)	
2016	20	Statutes Amendment (Home Detention) Act 2016	26.5.2016	Pt 4 (s 16)—10.6.2016 (Gazette 9.6.2016 p2057)	
2016	32	Statutes Amendment (Youth Court) Act 2016	30.6.2016	Pt 3 (ss 12—18)—1.1.2017 (Gazette 8.12.2016 p4903); s 17(1) & (2) are of no effect because they purport to delete words that do not appear in the relevant subsections	
2016	62	Statutes Amendment (Courts and Justice Measures) Act 2016	8.12.2016	Pt 10 (s 16)—8.12.2016: s 2(1)	
2017	18	Summary Procedure (Indictable Offences) Amendment Act 2017	14.6.2017	Sch 2 (cll 35—38 & 41)—uncommenced	
Provisions amended
New entries appear in bold.
Entries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.
Provision	How varied	Commencement	
Pt 1			
s 2	omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002	1.9.2004	
s 3			
s 3(2)	(b) deleted by 68/1996 s 30(a)	8.10.1996	
s 3(2a)	inserted by 68/1996 s 30(b)	8.10.1996	
	amended by 57/2007 s 6	3.2.2008	
s 4			
s 4(1)	s 4 redesignated as s 4(1) by 63/2009 Sch 1 cl 1	1.1.2010	
Chief Executive	inserted by 68/1996 s 31(a)	8.10.1996	
community youth justice officer	inserted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 13(1)	1.12.2016	
Department	substituted by 84/2009 s 381	1.2.2010	
	substituted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 13(2)	1.12.2016	
Director-General	deleted by 68/1996 s 31(b)	8.10.1996	
domestic partner	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(1)	27.6.2010	
home detention officer	inserted by 68/1996 s 31(c)	8.10.1996	
immediate family	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(2)	27.6.2010	
injury	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(2)	27.6.2010	
Judge	deleted by 32/2016 s 12	1.1.2016	
police officer	deleted by 52/2009 s 12(3)	27.6.2010	
recidivist young offender	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(3)	27.6.2010	
registered victim	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(3)	27.6.2010	
serious firearm offender	inserted by 33/2012 s 32	4.3.2013	
spouse	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(4)	27.6.2010	
training centre	substituted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 13(3)	1.12.2016	
victim	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(5)	27.6.2010	
Victims Register	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(5)	27.6.2010	
Youth Justice Administration Act	inserted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 13(4)	1.12.2016	
Youth Parole Board	inserted by 52/2009 s 12(6)	27.6.2010	
s 4(2)	inserted by 63/2009 Sch 1 cl 1	1.1.2010	
s 4A	inserted by 63/2009 Sch 1 cl 2	1.1.2010	
s 5A	inserted by 52/2009 s 13	27.6.2010	
Pt 2			
s 6			
s 6(3)	substituted by 52/2009 s 14	27.6.2010	
s 6(4)	inserted by 52/2009 s 14	27.6.2010	
s 9			
s 9(1)	amended by 85/1995 s 18(a)	14.12.1995	
s 9(1a)	inserted by 85/1995 s 18(b)	14.12.1995	
s 9(3)	amended by 32/2016 s 13(1)	1.1.2016	
s 9(4)	amended by 32/2016 s 13(2)	1.1.2016	
s 13			
s 13(1a)—(1j)	inserted by 33/2000 s 3(a)	20.8.2000	
s 13(2)	amended by 33/2000 s 3(b)	20.8.2000	
s 13(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 32	8.10.1996	
	amended by 33/2000 s 3(c) 	20.8.2000	
s 13(5)	inserted by 33/2000 s 3(d)	20.8.2000	
Pt 3			
s 15			
s 15(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 33	8.10.1996	
	amended by 41/1998 s 10(a)	1.10.1998	
s 15(1a)	inserted by 41/1998 s 10(b)	1.10.1998	
	substituted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 14	1.12.2016	
s 15(3)	amended by 41/1998 s 10(c)	1.10.1998	
Pt 4			
Pt 4 Div A1	inserted by 57/2007 s 7	3.2.2008	
s 15A	amended by 33/2012 s 33	4.3.2013	
Pt 4 Div 1			
s 16			
s 16(1)	s 16 amended and redesignated as s 16(1) by 57/2007 s 8(1), (2)	3.2.2008	
s 16(2)	inserted by 57/2007 s 8(2)	3.2.2008	
s 17			
s 17(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 34	8.10.1996	
	amended by 57/2007 s 9(1)	3.2.2008	
s 17(3)	amended by 57/2007 s 9(2)	3.2.2008	
s 17A	inserted by 57/2007 s 10	3.2.2008	
Pt 4 Div 2			
heading	amended by 57/2007 s 11	3.2.2008	
s 18	amended by 68/1996 s 35	8.10.1996	
s 19	amended by 68/1996 s 36	8.10.1996	
Pt 4 Div 3			
s 23			
s 23(1)	amended by 41/1998 s 11(a)	1.10.1998	
s 23(2)	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 15(1)	1.12.2016	
s 23(4)	substituted by 52/2009 s 15	27.6.2010	
	amended by 33/2012 s 34	4.3.2013	
s 23(5)	substituted by 68/1996 s 37	8.10.1996	
s 23(6)	deleted by 68/1996 s 37	8.10.1996	
	inserted by 41/1998 s 11(b)	1.10.1998	
	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 15(2)—(5)	1.12.2016	
s 23(7)	inserted by 41/1998 s 11(b)	1.10.1998	
s 24	amended by 68/1996 s 38	8.10.1996	
s 25			
s 25(1)	s 25 redesignated as s 25(1) by 68/1996 s 39	8.10.1996	
s 25(2)	inserted by 68/1996 s 39	8.10.1996	
s 26			
s 26(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 40(a)	8.10.1996	
s 26(4)	amended by 68/1996 s 40(b)	8.10.1996	
s 26(5) and (6)	inserted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 16	1.12.2016	
s 28			
s 28(2)	amended by 32/2016 s 14	1.1.2016	
s 28(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 41	8.10.1996	
Pt 4 Div 4			
s 29			
s 29(4)	amended by 61/2013 s 3	14.11.2013	
Pt 4 Div 5			
s 30			
s 30(1)—(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 42	8.10.1996	
s 32			
s 32(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 43	8.10.1996	
s 34			
s 34(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 44	8.10.1996	
Pt 5			
s 36			
s 36(2)	substituted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 17(1)	1.12.2016	
s 36(2a)	inserted by 68/1996 s 45	8.10.1996	
	deleted by 41/1998 s 12	1.10.1998	
s 36(4)	(a) deleted by 35/1994 s 19	1.8.1994	
	amended by 42/1999 s 57(a)	3.10.1999	
	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 17(2)	1.12.2016 	
s 36(5)	amended by 42/1999 s 57(b)	3.10.1999	
Pt 5 Div 1A	inserted by 41/1998 s 13	1.10.1998	
s 36A			
s 36A(1)	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 18	1.12.2016	
Pt 5 Div 2 before deletion by 61/2013			
s 37			
s 37(1a)	inserted by 52/2009 s 16(1)	27.6.2010	
s 37(3a) and (3b)	inserted by 33/2013 s 35	4.3.2013	
s 37(5a)—(5c)	inserted by 52/2009 s 16(2)	27.6.2010	
s 37(7)	amended by 18/2000 s 6(a)	1.7.2000	
	amended by 52/2009 s 16(3)	27.6.2010	
s 37(8)	amended by 18/2000 s 6(b)	1.7.2000	
	amended by 52/2009 s 16(4)	27.6.2010	
s 37(9)	amended by 52/2009 s 16(5)	27.6.2010	
s 37(9a)	inserted by 18/2000 s 6(c)	1.7.2000	
	amended by 52/2009 s 16(6)	27.6.2010	
s 37(11)	amended by 68/1996 s 46	8.10.1996	
Pt 5 Div 2	deleted by 61/2013 s 4	14.11.2013	
Pt 5 Div 2A	inserted by 68/1996 s 47	8.10.1996	
s 37A			
s 37A(3)			
residence	substituted by 20/2016 s 16	10.6.2016	
Pt 5 Div 3			
Pt 5 Div 3 Subdiv 1			
heading	inserted by 52/2009 s 17	27.6.2010	
s 38			
s 38(2)	amended by 68/1996 s 48(a), (b)	8.10.1996	
	amended by 52/2009 s 18(1)—(3)	27.6.2010	
	amended by 32/2016 s 15	1.1.2016	
s 38(3)	amended by 68/1996 s 48(c)	8.10.1996	
s 38(6a) and (6b)	inserted by 68/1996 s 48(d)	8.10.1996	
	deleted by 84/2009 s 382	1.2.2010	
s 38(9)	amended by 68/1996 s 48(e)	8.10.1996	
	deleted by 52/2009 s 18(4)	27.6.2010	
s 38(10)	deleted by 52/2009 s 18(4)	27.6.2010	
s 39 before substitution by 52/2009			
s 39(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 49	8.10.1996	
s 39	substituted by 52/2009 s 19	27.6.2010	
39(2)	amended by 32/2016 s 16(1), (2)	1.1.2016	
s 39(6)	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 19(1), (2)	1.12.2016	
Pt 5 Div 3 Subdiv 2			
heading	inserted by 52/2009 s 20	27.6.2010	
s 40 before deletion by /2016			
s 40(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 50(a), (b)	8.10.1996	
s 40(2) and (4)	amended by 68/1996 s 50(a)	8.10.1996	
s 40(5)	amended by 18/2000 s 7(a)	1.7.2000	
s 40(6) and (7)	inserted by 18/2000 s 7(b)	1.7.2000	
s 40	deleted by 16/2016 s 16	8.12.2016	
s 40A	inserted by 18/2000 s 8	1.7.2000	
s 40A(1a)	inserted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 20	1.12.2016	
s 41 before substitution by 52/2009			
s 41(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 51(a)	8.10.1996	
	deleted by 18/2000 s 9(a)	1.7.2000	
s 41(3)	substituted by 68/1996 s 51(b)	8.10.1996	
s 41(5)	amended by 68/1996 s 51(c)	8.10.1996	
	amended by 18/2000 s 9(b)	1.7.2000	
s 41(5a)	inserted by 68/1996 s 51(d)	8.10.1996	
	amended by 18/2000 s 9(c)	1.7.2000	
s 41(5b)	inserted by 68/1996 s 51(d)	8.10.1996	
s 41(10)	amended by 18/2000 s 9(d)	1.7.2000	
s 41(10a)	inserted by 18/2000 s 9(e)	1.7.2000	
s 41(12)	amended by 68/1996 s 51(a)	8.10.1996	
s 41(14) and (15)	inserted by 68/1996 s 51(e)	8.10.1996	
s 41	deleted by 52/2009 s 21	27.6.2010	
Pt 5 Div 3 Subdiv 3	inserted by 52/2009 s 21	27.6.2010	
heading	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 21	1.12.2016	
s 41A			
s 41A(2)	amended by 17/2012 s 25(1)	5.8.2012	
	amended by 33/2012 s 36(1)	4.3.2013	
	amended by 46/2015 Sch 1 cl 23	uncommenced—not incorporated	
	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 22(1)	1.12.2016	
s 41A(3)	amended by 17/2012 s 25(2)	5.8.2012	
	amended by 33/2012 s 36(2)	4.3.2013	
	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 22(2)	1.12.2016	
s 41A(3a)	inserted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 22(3)	1.12.2016	
s 41A(4a)	inserted by 33/2012 s 36(3)	4.3.2013	
s 41B			
s 41B(1)	amended by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 23	1.12.2016	
Pt 5 Div 3 Subdiv 4			
heading	inserted by 52/2009 s 22	27.6.2010	
s 42			
s 42(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 52	8.10.1996	
Pt 5 Div 3A	inserted by 33/2012 s 37	4.3.2013	
s 42A			
s 42A(1)	amended by 61/2013 s 5	14.11.2013	
Pt 5 Div 4	deleted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 24	1.12.2016	
Pt 5 Div 5			
s 48			
s 48(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 53(a)	8.10.1996	
s 48(6)	inserted by 68/1996 s 53(b)	8.10.1996	
	amended by 18/2000 s 10	1.7.2000	
Pt 6	heading amended by 68/1996 s 54	8.10.1996	
s 49			
s 49(1)	substituted by 68/1996 s 55	8.10.1996	
s 49A	inserted by 68/1996 s 56	8.10.1996	
	amended by 31/2013 s 50	3.2.2014	
	deleted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 25	1.12.2016	
s 50	amended by 68/1996 s 57	8.10.1996	
	deleted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 25	1.12.2016	
s 51 before deletion by 6/2016			
s 51(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 58	8.10.1996	
s 51	deleted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 25	1.12.2016	
Pt 7 before deletion by 23/2004			
s 56			
s 56(1) and (2)	amended by 68/1996 s 59	8.10.1996	
Pt 7	deleted by 23/2004 s 28	1.9.2004	
Pt 8			
s 59	amended by 68/1996 s 60	8.10.1996	
s 59A	inserted by 68/1996 s 61	8.10.1996	
s 60	amended by 68/1996 s 62	8.10.1996	
s 61	amended by 18/2000 s 11	1.7.2000	
s 63 before substitution by 6/2016			
s 63(1)	amended by 68/1996 s 63	8.10.1996	
s 63(2)	amended by 68/1996 s 63	8.10.1996	
	amended by 41/1998 s 14(a), (b)	1.10.1998	
s 63(3)	amended by 41/1998 s 14(c)	1.10.1998	
s 63(4)	amended by 68/1996 s 63	8.10.1996	
	amended by 41/1998 s 14(d)	1.10.1998	
s 63(6)	amended by 68/1996 s 63	8.10.1996	
s 63(7)	amended by 41/1998 s 14(e)	1.10.1998	
s 63(8)	deleted by 41/1998 s 14(f)	1.10.1998	
s 63	substituted by 6/2016 Sch 2 cl 26	1.12.2016	
s 63(9)	as in force immediately before 1.1.2017 omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002		
s 63(9)	inserted by 32/2016 s 17(3)	1.1.2017	
s 63A	inserted by 41/1998 s 15	1.10.1998	
s 63B	inserted by 41/1998 s 15	1.10.1998	
	amended by 42/1999 s 58	3.10.1999	
	amended by 57/2000 s 32	14.8.2000	
	amended by 6/2016 Sch 2 cl 27	1.12.2016	
s 63C	inserted by 42/1999 s 59	3.10.1999	
s 64			
s 64(1)	s 64 redesignated as s 64(1) by 52/2009 s 23	27.6.2010	
s 64(2)—(6)	inserted by 52/2009 s 23	27.6.2010	
	deleted by 6/2016 Sch 1 cl 28	1.12.2016	
s 65			
s 65(2)	amended by 68/1996 s 64	8.10.1996	
Transitional etc provisions associated with Act or amendments
Statutes Repeal and Amendment (Children's Protection and Young Offenders) Act 1993
3—Interpretation
In this Act—
commencement day means the day on which this Act comes into operation;
new legislation means—
	(a)	the Young Offenders Act 1993; and
	(b)	the Youth Court Act 1993;
former legislation means the Children's Protection and Young Offenders Act 1979.
19—Transitional provisions—offences
	(1)	Proceedings in relation to an offence alleged to have been committed before the commencement day may be taken under the new legislation.
	(2)	Proceedings before the Children's Court of South Australia under the former legislation in relation to such an offence may be continued and completed before the Youth Court of South Australia under the new legislation.
	(3)	A person may not be subjected to a penalty under the new legislation for an offence committed before the commencement day unless—
	(a)	the penalty is of the same nature as could have been imposed under the former legislation (and for this purpose an order under section 26 of the Young Offenders Act 1993 is to be taken to be of the same nature as a bond); and
	(b)	the penalty is no more severe than could have been properly imposed under the former legislation.
	(4)	A judge or magistrate who was a judicial officer of the Children's Court of South Australia may (even though not a judicial officer of the Youth Court of South Australia) sit as a member of the Youth Court of South Australia for the purpose of continuing and completing the hearing and determination of proceedings commenced or part heard before the commencement day.
	(5)	An order or bond in force under Part 7 of the former legislation immediately before the commencement day remains in force under, but subject to, the former legislation.
	(6)	The former legislation remains in force in relation to an order or bond to which subsection (5) applies, and any further order or bond imposed on breach of the order or bond or in relation to the same offence, as if references to the Children's Court of South Australia were references to the Youth Court of South Australia, and with any further modifications that may be prescribed by regulation.
Statutes Amendment (Courts Administration Staff) Act 1995
20—Transitional provision
	(1)	An appointment to a non-judicial office or position made or purportedly made before the commencement of this Act in accordance with an Act that is amended by this Act will be taken to have been duly made under the statutory provisions that, as amended by this Act, provide for the making of such an appointment as if this Act had been enacted and in force at the relevant time.
Statutes Amendment (Recidivist Young Offenders and Youth Parole Board) Act 2009, Pt 5
24—Social Development Committee to inquire into and report on operation of Act
The Social Development Committee of the Parliament must, within 3 years after the commencement of Parts 3 and 4 of the Statutes Amendment (Recidivist Young Offenders and Youth Parole Board) Act 2009, in consultation with the Attorney‑General, inquire into, consider and report on the operation of the Act (including any effect the operation of the Act has had on the criminal justice system in South Australia).
Statutes Amendment (Young Offenders) Act 2013, Sch 1—Transitional provisions
1—Interpretation
In this Schedule—
repealed section means section 37 of the Young Offenders Act 1993 repealed by section 4.
2—Applications under section 37 of Young Offenders Act 1993
	(1)	Despite section 16 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1915 or a provision of any other Act or law, any right accrued but not yet exercised, or, if exercised, not yet determined, under the repealed section is, by force of this subclause, extinguished.
	(2)	To avoid doubt, subclause (1)—
	(a)	prevents an application for release on licence from being made under the repealed section regardless of whether the youth could have made such an application before the commencement of that subclause; and
	(b)	defeats any application for release on licence made by a youth under the repealed section that had not yet been determined before the commencement of that subclause.
3—Youths currently subject to licence
	(1)	Subject to this clause, a release on licence of a youth under the repealed section that has not been cancelled will be taken to continue in accordance with its terms.
	(2)	Section 37 of the Young Offenders Act 1993, as in force immediately before the commencement of this clause, will be taken to continue to apply in relation to a release on licence continued under this clause as if that section had not been repealed.
Statutes Amendment (Youth Court) Act 2016
18—Transitional provision
	(1)	A person who was a member of the Training Centre Review Board immediately before the commencement day may sit as a member of the Board for the purpose of continuing and completing the hearing and determination of proceedings that are, on the commencement day, part heard.
	(2)	In this section—
commencement day means the day on which this Part comes into operation.
Historical versions
Reprint No 1—1.8.1994		
Reprint No 2—14.12.1995		
Reprint No 3—8.10.1996		
Reprint No 4—1.10.1998		
Reprint No 5—3.10.1999		
Reprint No 6—1.7.2000		
Reprint No 7—20.8.2000		
1.9.2004		
3.2.2008		
1.1.2010		
1.2.2010		
27.6.2010		
5.8.2012		
4.3.2013		
14.11.2013		
3.2.2014		
10.6.2016		
1.12.2016		
8.12.2016