Young people and being arrested

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 there 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 guardian.

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 a youth diversion program
• charged then:
  • released on police bail
  • remanded in Darwin or Alice Springs while they wait for their court appearance to get sentenced
  • refused police bail and taken to the next court sitting for sentencing.

Going to a youth detention centre

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.

Youth can be held at the Alice Springs Intake and Transfer Facility and later transferred to the Holtze Youth Detention Centre in Darwin.

Remanded in detention

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

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

While in a detention or transfer facility, 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 a detention or transfer facility, contact the NT Children’s Commissioner.