Don Dale Youth Detention Centre: Darwin

The Don Dale Youth Detention Centre is located on Tivendale Road, Berrimah in Darwin.

Young people from across the Northern Territory (NT) are remanded or sentenced to detention at the centre.

Youth justice officers and case management staff are responsible for the day-to-day care of young people in the centre.

Visitors

All visitors must go through a security screening before you can enter.

When visiting, you must wear clothing that adequately covers your:

  • legs
  • shoulders
  • chest.

You can't wear provocative clothing.

You are required to wear flat, enclosed shoes. No stiletto heels.

Adults must have valid photo identification to be enter the centre.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You don't need photo identification for children.

If you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol you may have your visit declined or terminated.

Visiting times

You can visit 7 days a week between 11am and 6pm.

If you need to visit outside these hours, email tfhcyouth.ddydcvisitreception@nt.gov.au.

Professional and personal visits

Professional visitors can visit young people between 11am and 3pm, unless otherwise arranged.

You must call the detention centre 24 hours before you want to visit.

Family visits

If you want to visit a young person at the detention centre, you must call the detention centre at least one day before you would like to visit.

To book a visit, call between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone 08 8922 0400 or email tfhcyouth.ddydcvisitreception@nt.gov.au.

Urgent visits

If you need to visit with less than 24hrs notice you must contact the visits booking officer.

The detention centre management team will review your request.

Conditions of visiting

You must comply with the rules of detention centre.

To visit, you must wear appropriate clothing, including enclosed footwear.

You will not be able to visit if you are not dressed appropriately.

You can't wear:

  • clothes with obscene, violent or offensive words, pictures or diagrams
  • gang affiliated colours or symbols
  • clothing that is excessively tight and/or short and revealing
  • high heels or steel cap boots.

Prohibited items

There are certain prohibited items that are not allowed in the detention centre.

Read the Northern Territory Youth Detention Centre's prohibited items PDF (463.8 KB).

Inappropriate behaviour

If you engage in inappropriate behaviour during a visit, your visit maybe terminated.

Authorisation for that person to visit the centre again may also be withdrawn.

How to get there

You can take public transport daily from Darwin.

You can take one of the following buses - both buses stop at Tivendale Road:

  • the number 8 from Darwin City to Palmerston
  • or number 9 bus from Casuarina to Palmerston.

The Don Dale Youth Detention Centre is just a short walk from the Tivendale Road stop, and is on the site of the old Darwin Correctional Centre.

For more information read about Darwin and Palmerston bus timetables and maps.

Parking

If you drive to the centre, free parking is available on site.

Education

Tivendale School is located at Don Dale Youth Detention Centre and provides education for the young people who have been remanded or sentenced to detention.

Programs include, but are not limited to:

  • middle and secondary school programs
  • NT Certificate of Education
  • VET programs
  • senior first aid
  • Drive Safe NT - learner licence
  • music
  • art
  • road safety program
  • drugs and alcohol program
  • healthy relationships program
  • legal studies
  • animal therapy
  • physical education.

Case management

The aim of case management is to develop a structured plan that identifies the detainee's goals while in detention and beyond.

The case management process includes a plan of action to deliver programs that are likely to promote crime prevention, build safer communities and address the individual psychological, social and emotional wellbeing of the detainee.

Programs

Young people sentenced or remanded to detention may be able to access, or to be asked to undertake programs including, but not limited to:

  • Safe Sober Strong
  • Step Up Violence Program
  • Changing Habits and Reaching Targets (CHART)
  • The Seek Education or Employment not Detention Program (SEED).

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