Young people: going to a detention centre

In the Northern Territory (NT), a young person aged to 10 to 17 can go to a youth detention centre for 2 reasons.

They can be:

• remanded in detention for a period of time while waiting for their court appearance
• sentenced to detention for a period of time by the courts if they are convicted of a criminal offence.

There is the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre and the Holtze Youth Detention Centre.

Read more about arrests, police and young people and types of sentences for young people.

Remanded in detention

Remand is a word used to describe the time a young person has to stay in the detention centre, while they wait for their court case to be finished.

They can be sent to a detention centre on remand by the police or the courts if they are not given bail.

While in detention, a young person may speak to an official visitor if they have any concerns.

Their job is to check on their conditions and treatment.

Sentenced to detention

Once a young person's case has finished, the courts may sentence them to the detention centre for a period of time.

During their time, young people:

• can access educational and work-ready programs
• are supported by staff to find out the cause of their offending behaviour
• may have to take part in programs that address anti-social and criminal behaviour.

When they have completed their sentence, they will be released from the detention centre.

How to submit a complaint

If you're concerned about the treatment of a young person in the detention centre, contact the NT Children’s Commissioner.