Youth diversion program

Instead of going to court, a young person aged between 10 to 17 years old may be able to attend a youth diversion program.

This program helps divert young people away from the youth justice system and is available in most Northern Territory (NT) communities.

A young person can take part twice.

If they break the law a third time, they will have to go to court unless there are exceptional circumstances.

What's involved

The delivery of this program has been developed in line with local decision making.

The program may include:

• a verbal or written warning
• youth justice conferences involving the young person, their family and any relevant person affected by their offending behaviour
• community service programs or support services to:
  • address their offending behaviour and reduce re-offending
  • drug or alcohol abuse
• work to pay back money to anyone affected by their offending behaviour or the community.

Read more about arrests, police and young people.

Who’s involved

The Department of Children and Families funds many non-government organisations across the NT to deliver this program.

This includes:

• Tiwi Islands Regional Council
• Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation
• East Arnhem Regional Council
• Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation
• Danila Dilba Health Services
• Bush Fit Mob
• Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
• Thamarrurr Development Corporation
• Kalano Community Association Inc.
• Tennant Creek Mob Aboriginal Corporation
• MacDonnell Regional Council
• The Gap Youth and Community Centre.

More information

To find out more, contact the Youth Community Programs team in the Youth Justice unit.