THE YOUNG OFFENDERS

ACT 1997 (NSW)

(must include in any essay on young offenders!)
 The young offenders Act (YOA) 1997 (NSW)
aims to provide alternatives to court
proceedings and is designed to foster
restorative justice and the rehabilitation of the
child. Under the Act police may issue
warnings, official cautions and arrange youth
justice conferences
 The YOA covers summary and indictable
matters that are usually heard before a
magistrate in the children’s court.
 The YOA reflects a change in the legal
systems approach towards juvenile offenders.
Its emphasis has shifted from punishment
towards making young offenders responsible
for their actions  restoring justice
 The YOA affirms the rights of victims and
tries to empower them through their
involvement in the system. This Act affirms
the rights of victims and tries to empower
them through their involvement in the system.
It aims to improve accessibility by reducing
the time and cost involved in dealing with
juvenile justice issues  youth conferencing
 Thisact also aims to reduce the number of
children being kept in detention centres. (This
is done through the alternatives to court)
PRINICPLES OF YOUNG OFFENDERS
ACT
 REFER TO
PAGE 72 OF CRIME
BOOKLETS