Arrests, police and young people

The police can talk to your child or young person to find out what happened during an incident or allegation, or whether they were involved.

You don’t need to be present during this conversation, until they are considered:

• a suspect
• an alleged offender.

If your child or young person is arrested

Your child or young person can be arrested by the police if:

• they’ve allegedly been involved in an offence
• they’re suspected of being involved in an offence.

They will be taken to the nearest police station or facility. The police will contact you to come as well.

During any legal process, you must be present to protect the rights and represent the interests of your child or young person.

The person present should be the parent or primary caregiver.

If you’re not available, the police may use a responsible adult independent of the police.

After your child or young person is arrested

The police will decide whether your child or young person should continue to be held or be released from custody.

They may also call a magistrate to discuss whether your child should be released.

Any of the following may happen to your child:

• released without charge
• referred to the Back on Track Program or other youth diversion program
• charged then:
  • released on police bail
  • remanded in a youth detention centre while they wait for their court appearance to get sentenced
  • refused police bail and taken to the next court sitting for sentencing.