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Holtze Youth Detention Centre

The Holtze Youth Detention Centre (HYDC) is located 30km from Darwin city and is the NT's only facility for detaining children and young people aged 10 to 17 years.

HYDC accommodates young people from across the NT who:

  • have been sentenced to a period of detention
  • are waiting for their first court appearance or a decision about bail
  • have been refused bail and are waiting for their court case
  • have been convicted and are waiting to be sentenced.

HYDC operates under a model of care that guides staff and partners in supporting young people.

The centre tracks youth detention numbers through a daily and quarterly census. For this census data, go to the Department of Corrections website.

Activities and care

Young people in the centre have a structured daily routine that includes programs, education, recreation and personal development.

These activities aim to support rehabilitation, encourage positive behaviours and prepare young people to return to their communities.

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All young people in the centre have school on weekdays during school terms, through the Top End School of Flexible Learning.

The school follows the Australian Curriculum and students can work towards their NT Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) or vocational education and training in school (VETis).

Middle and secondary school subjects include:

  • English
  • math
  • art and music
  • physical education
  • health
  • civics.

Extra education programs and partnerships include:

  • The Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • senior first aid and bronze medallion with Royal Life Saving NT
  • keeping safe child protection curriculum
  • NAPCAN Love Bites Respectful Relationships Program
  • Indigenous Marathon Foundation NT Youth Running Club
  • Hoops 4 Health, Healthy Lifestyles
  • Clontarf Foundation
  • Mission Australia
  • Athletics NT
  • Army Indigenous Development Program.

Young people in the centre can take part in structured programs outside of school hours, including in afternoons, on weekends and during school holidays.

These programs support rehabilitation, develop life skills, and strengthen cultural identity.

Participation is encouraged and supported by staff and visiting service providers.

Programs focus on:

  • setting goals and building daily routines
  • developing social, emotional and psychological wellbeing
  • preventing reoffending and supporting safer communities.

Current programs include:

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

Additional programs may include:

  • sport and fitness – team games and physical activity
  • creative programs – art, music and storytelling
  • cultural programs – connecting with culture, Country and community
  • life skills – confidence building, positive behaviours and daily living skills
  • accredited training – opportunities to earn certificates first aid, hairdressing, general construction induction training (white card), or Certificate I in AgriFood Operations.

A doctor and nurse are at the centre from Monday to Friday.

All young people receive regular health checks while in the centre.

If a young person becomes unwell or needs to go to hospital, the case coordination team or a youth justice officer will contact their parent or guardian.

Plan your visit

There are rules you must follow when visiting the centre. If you break the rules, your visit may be declined or ended early.

To visit, you must:

  • give at least 24 hours’ notice
  • provide valid photo ID
    • if you're over the age of 18, you must sign in and out using the electronic register
    • professionals must show a working with children clearance (Ochre Card)
  • be sober and not appear under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
  • behave respectfully at all times
  • not wear clothing that is:
    • revealing, excessively tight, or offensive
    • associated with gangs (for example, certain colours or symbols)
  • have footwear that is:
    • fully covered while onsite
    • not steel-capped unless required for PPE
    • not high heeled as this may create safety risks
  • bring only commercially sealed food within its use-by-date, or purchase from the onsite vending machine
  • leave all banned items at home or in your car.
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  • Every day:
    • family: 11am to 6pm
    • professionals: 11am to 3pm.

You must give at least 24 hours’ notice before visiting.

If your visit is urgent, you can request an exception.

How to give notice

Contact reception between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday:

Visitors are screened by security on arrival.

Banned items

Banned items include:

  • cigarettes and tobacco products
  • lighters and matches
  • alcohol and other drugs
  • weapons
  • phones, cameras, and electronic devices
  • money and bank cards
  • glass and ceramics
  • aerosols (for example, deodorants)
  • wallets, handbags, and keys
  • food and drink.

Get the prohibited items factsheet PDF (160.5 KB).

Lockers

Lockers are available for small personal items like car keys, phones, bags or wallets.

If you are driving to the centre, free parking is available.

Saturday shuttle bus

The Salvation Army provides a shuttle bus service on Saturdays, for a small fee. For more information, call 08 8945 1947.

Other transport options

For transport on other days, you can contact local services who may be able to help.

To find local services, go to the NTcommunity website.

Location

215 Willard Road
Holtze NT 0829