Source: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/act+54+1997+pt.4-sec.32+0+N
Timestamp: 2013-05-26 00:57:26
Document Index: 523512361

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 1', 'art\n4', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art\n5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art\n4', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 1', 'art 4', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 2']

Young Offenders Act 1997 No 54
Current version for 10 December 2012 to date (accessed 26 May 2013 at 10:57).
Does not include amendments by:Child Protection (Working with
Children) Act 2012 No 51 (not
commenced — to commence on 15.6.2013)Road Transport Legislation (Repeal and Amendment) Act 2013 No 19 (not commenced)See also:
Independent Commission Against Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013
Attorney General, except parts; sections 49, 60 and 61, and Schedule 1, Minister for Justice
5 Meaning of “victim”
Part 2 General principles of scheme
7A Persons in relation to whom Act applies
8 Offences covered by Act
9 Procedures under scheme
10 Admission of offences
11 Relationship with other legislation
12 Relationship with other procedures
Part 3 Warnings
13 Offences for which warnings may be given
14 Entitlement to be dealt with by warning
15 Giving of warnings
16 Explanation of warnings
16A Parents of child may be notified of warning
17 Records of warnings
Part 4 Cautions
Division 1 Cautions by persons other than courts
18 Offences for which cautions may be given
19 Conditions required to be able to give caution
20 Entitlement to be dealt with by caution
21 Determination by investigating official
22 Explanations to children
23 Referrals for cautions
24 Notice of caution
24A Written statements from victims
25 Right not to proceed
26 Place and time of cautions
27 Persons who may give cautions
28 Persons who may accompany child
29 Giving of cautions
30 Caution notice
Division 2 Cautions by courts
31 Cautions by courts
Division 3 Cautions generally
32 Further proceedings
33 Records of cautions
33A Destruction of finger prints, palm prints and
Part 5 Youth justice conferences
34 Principles and purposes of conferencing
35 Offences for which conferences may be held
36 Conditions required to be met before conference may be
37 Entitlement to be dealt with by conference
38 Determinations by specialist youth officers
39 Explanations to children
40 Referrals for conferences by DPP and courts
41 Conference administrator may refer matters to
Division 2 Conferences
42 Appointment of conference convenor
43 Time limit for holding conferences
44 Right not to proceed
45 Preparation for conferences
46 Location of conferences
47 Participants in conferences
48 Conduct of conferences
49 Guidelines for conduct of conferences
50 Representation at conferences
51 Non-attendance at conferences
52 Outcomes of conferences
53 Failure of conference to reach decision
54 Matters referred by courts
55 Reconvening of conferences
56 Satisfactory completion of outcome plans
57 Additional provisions relating to completion and
non-completion of outcome plans
58 Further proceedings
59 Records of conferences
Division 3 Co-ordination of conferences
60 Conference convenors
61 Conference administrators
62 Act binds Crown
62A Delegation of Director-General’s
64 Continuation or commencement of proceedings
65 Publication and broadcasting of names
66 Disclosure of records
67 Certain statements inadmissible
68 Interventions not to be disclosed as criminal
69 Investigating officials may act on other
71 Giving of notices
72 Liability of officers under Act
Schedule 1 Conference convenors
An Act to establish procedures for dealing with children who
commit certain offences through the use of youth justice conferences, cautions
and warnings instead of court proceedings; and for other
purposes.Part 1 Preliminary1 Name of ActThis Act is the Young Offenders
Act 1997.2 CommencementThis Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by
proclamation.3 Objects of ActThe objects of this Act are:(a) to establish a scheme that provides an alternative process to
court proceedings for dealing with children who commit certain offences
through the use of youth justice conferences, cautions and warnings,
(b) to establish a scheme for the purpose of providing an efficient
and direct response to the commission by children of certain offences,
(c) to establish and use youth justice conferences to deal with
alleged offenders in a way that:(i) enables a community based negotiated response to offences
involving all the affected parties, and
(ii) emphasizes restitution by the offender and the acceptance of
responsibility by the offender for his or her behaviour,
(iii) meets the needs of victims and offenders,
(d) to address the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children in the criminal justice system through the use of youth
justice conferences, cautions and warnings.
4 DefinitionsIn this Act:adult means a person
who is of or over the age of 18 years.broadcast
includes broadcast by radio, television or any on-line service.caution means a
formal police caution relating to an offence given under Part
4.child means a person
who is of or over the age of 10 years and under the age of 18
years.conference means
a youth justice conference convened or proposed to be convened under Part
administrator means a person appointed as a conference administrator
as referred to in section 61.conference
convenor means a person appointed as a conference convenor under
section 60.Director-General means the
Director-General of the Department of Attorney General and
Justice.exercise a
a power, authority or duty.graffiti
offence means an offence committed under the Graffiti Control Act
2008.investigating
official means:(a) a police officer, or
(b) a person appointed by or under an Act and whose functions include
functions in respect of the prevention or investigation of offences,
service means a service provided by or through the facilities of a
computer communication system and accessed through a telecommunications
network that allows for:(a) the input, output or examination of computer data or computer
(b) the transmission of computer data.
includes:(a) a guardian of the child, and
(b) a person who has the lawful custody of the
but does not include the father or mother of the child if the father or
mother, as the case may be, has neither guardianship nor custody of the
child.person
responsible for a child means:(a) a parent of the child, or
(b) a person who has the care of the child (whether or not the person
has the custody of the child).
administrator, in relation to a conference, means the conference
administrator who appointed the conference convenor for the
conference.specialist
youth officer means a member of the NSW Police Force appointed as a
specialist youth officer for the purposes of this Act by the Commissioner of
Police.traffic
offence has the same meaning as it has in the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act
1987.victim has the
meaning given by section 5.youth liaison
officer means a member of the NSW Police Force appointed as a youth
liaison officer for the purposes of this Act by the Commissioner of
Police.5 Meaning of “victim”(1) For the purposes of this Act, a victim means a person who suffers
harm as a direct result of an act committed, or apparently committed, by a
child in the course of a criminal offence.(2) A person suffers harm if, as a result of such an act:(a) the person suffers physical harm or suffers mental illness,
nervous shock or other psychological harm (including fear, humiliation, shame
or stress), or
(b) the person’s property is deliberately taken, destroyed or
damaged or the person suffers financial loss.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a victim that is an organisation or
a Government authority may be represented by an officer of, or other person
nominated by, the organisation or authority.6 NotesNotes in the text of this Act do not form part of this
Act.Part 2 General principles of scheme7 Principles of schemeThe principles that are to guide the operation of this Act, and
persons exercising functions under this Act, are as follows:(a) The principle that the least restrictive form of sanction is to be
applied against a child who is alleged to have committed an offence, having
regard to matters required to be considered under this
(b) The principle that children who are alleged to have committed an
offence are entitled to be informed about their right to obtain legal advice
and to have an opportunity to obtain that advice.
(c) The principle that criminal proceedings are not to be instituted
against a child if there is an alternative and appropriate means of dealing
(d) The principle that criminal proceedings are not to be instituted
against a child solely in order to provide any assistance or services needed
to advance the welfare of the child or his or her family or family
(e) The principle that, if it is appropriate in the circumstances,
children who are alleged to have committed an offence should be dealt with in
their communities in order to assist their reintegration and to sustain family
and community ties.
(f) The principle that parents are to be recognised and included in
justice processes involving children and that parents are to be recognised as
being primarily responsible for the development of
(g) The principle that victims are entitled to receive information
about their potential involvement in, and the progress of, action taken under
(h) The principle that the over representation of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children in the criminal justice system should be
addressed by the use of youth justice conferences, cautions and
7A Persons in relation to whom Act applies(1) This Act applies in relation to a person who:(a) is or was a child when an offence covered by this Act is or was
committed or alleged to have been committed, and
(b) is under the age of 21 years when being dealt with under this
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a person in relation to whom this
Act applies is no longer a child when he or she is being dealt with under this
Act, a reference to a child in another provision of this Act concerning how a
child is to be, or may be, dealt with is to be read as including, where
appropriate, a reference to an individual who is of or under the
person’s age.(3) The following provisions of this Act do not apply to a person in
relation to whom this Act applies if the person is no longer a child:(a) section 10 (which relates to who is to be present with a child
when he or she makes admissions for the purposes of this
(b) section 22 (2) (which relates to who is to be present with a child
when an explanation concerning a caution is given),
(c) section 29 (3) (which relates to who is to be present with a child
when a caution is given),
(d) section 39 (2) (which relates to who is to be present with a child
when an explanation concerning a conference is given),
(e) any other provision that requires the presence or consent of, or
consultation with, a person responsible for a child,
(f) any provision (or any provision belonging to a class of
provisions) prescribed by the regulations.
8 Offences covered by Act(1) The offences covered by this Act are, except as provided by this
Act:(a) summary offences, and
(b) indictable offences that may be dealt with summarily under Chapter
5 of the Criminal Procedure Act
1986 or another prescribed law,
committed, or alleged to have been committed, by
children.(2) Despite subsection (1), an offence is not covered by this Act
if:(a) the principal person who investigates the offence is not an
investigating official within the meaning of this Act, or
(b) the offence is a traffic offence committed by a child who was,
when the alleged offence occurred, old enough to obtain a learner licence
under the Road Transport (Driver Licensing)
Act 1998 to drive the motor vehicle to which the offence
(c) the offence results in the death of any person,
(d) the offence is an offence under section 61E, 61L, 61M, 61N, 61O
(1), (1A) or (2), 66C, 66D, 80, 81A or 81B of the Crimes Act 1900,
(e) the offence is an offence under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act
(e1) the offence is an offence under Division 1 of Part 2 of the
1985 other than an offence to which subsection (2A) applies,
(f) the offence is an offence under Division 2 of Part 2 of the
1985 other than:(i) an offence under section 23 (1) (a) or (c) of that Act to which
subsection (3) applies, or
(ii) an offence under section 27 or 28 of that Act of aiding, abetting,
under section 23 (1) (a) or (c) to which subsection (3)
(g) the offence is prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of
(2A) An offence under Division 1 of Part 2 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
1985 is covered by this Act if in the opinion of the
investigating official or prosecuting authority:(a) in relation to an offence relating to a prohibited drug other than
cannabis leaf within the meaning of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
1985—the offence involves not more than the small
quantity applicable to that drug under that Act, or
(b) in relation to an offence relating to cannabis leaf:(i) the offence involves not more than half the small quantity of
(ii) there are exceptional circumstances in that:(A) the offence involves more than half, but not more than the total,
small quantity of cannabis leaf within the meaning of that Act,
(B) it would be in the interests of rehabilitation, and appropriate in
all the circumstances, to deal with the matter under this
(3) An offence under section 23 (1) (a) or (c) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
investigating official or prosecuting authority:(a) the offence involves not more than half the small quantity
applicable to the prohibited plant within the meaning of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
(b) there are exceptional circumstances in that:(i) the offence involves more than half, but not more than the total,
small quantity applicable to the prohibited plant within the meaning of the
(ii) it would be in the interests of rehabilitation, and appropriate in
9 Procedures under scheme(1) The procedures available for dealing with children who have
committed, or are alleged to have committed, offences covered by this Act are
as follows:(a) a warning may be given, including a warning in accordance with
(b) a caution may be given, but only if it is a caution given in
accordance with Part 4,
(c) a conference may be held, but only if it is a youth justice
conference held in accordance with Part 5.
(2) An investigating official dealing with a child who has committed,
or is alleged to have committed, an offence must, before issuing a summons or
attendance notice or otherwise commencing criminal proceedings against the
child, determine:(a) whether the offence is one covered by this Act,
(b) in the case of such an offence, whether the child should be dealt
with under Part 3 or 4 or the matter should be referred to a specialist youth
officer under Part 5 to determine whether a youth justice conference should be
(2A) In the case of an offence prescribed by the regulations, an
investigating official must also determine the matters referred to in
subsection (2) (a) and (b) before issuing a penalty notice for the
offence.(2B) In determining whether a child should be dealt with under Part 3
or 4 or referred to a specialist youth officer under Part 5, an investigating
official is (if the official considers it practicable) to make that
determination within the period of 14 days after the official becomes aware of
the offence or alleged offence.(2C) A failure of an investigating official to comply with subsection
(2B):(a) does not prevent action being taken under this Act,
(b) invalidate any action taken under this
(3) An investigating official may, at any time after commencing
proceedings and before the proceedings are heard, decide to deal with a child
alleged to have committed an offence under Part 4 or consider whether the
matter should be referred to a specialist youth officer under Part 5, if the
investigating official forms the opinion that the child is entitled to be
dealt with under Part 4 or Part 5.10 Admission of offencesAn admission by a child of an offence is not an admission for the
purposes of this Act unless it takes place in the presence of:(a) a person responsible for the child, or
(b) an adult (other than an investigating official) who is present
with the consent of a person responsible for the child, or
(c) if the child is 14 years or over, an adult chosen by the child,
(d) an Australian legal practitioner chosen by the
11 Relationship with other legislation(1) This Act does not affect any jurisdiction conferred on the
Children’s Court under the Children
(Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 or on any other court under
any other law.(2) This Act is in addition to, and does not limit, the requirements
of any law relating to evidence.12 Relationship with other proceduresThis Act does not affect the functions of any person dealing with
an offence or alleged offence, to give a warning for, or take any other action
in relation to, an offence or alleged offence if:(a) the person is not an investigating official,
(b) the offence is not an offence covered by this Act, whether or not
the person is an investigating official.
Part 3 Warnings13 Offences for which warnings may be givenA warning may be given for a summary offence covered by this Act,
other than a graffiti offence or any other offence prescribed by the
regulations for the purposes of this section.Note. Section 8 sets out offences covered by this
Act.14 Entitlement to be dealt with by warning(1) A child who has committed or is alleged to have committed an
offence in respect of which a warning may be given is entitled to be dealt
with by warning.(2) Despite subsection (1), the child is not entitled to be dealt with
by warning if:(a) the circumstances of the offence involve violence,
(b) in the opinion of the investigating official, it is more
appropriate to deal with it by another means because it is not in the
interests of justice for the matter to be dealt with by
(3) A child is not precluded from being given a warning merely because
the child has previously committed offences or been dealt with under this
Act.(4) If an investigating official is of the opinion that it is not in
the interests of justice to deal with a matter by warning a child and that it
is appropriate to deal with it by other means, the investigating official must
consider whether to deal with the matter under Part 4 or to refer it to a
specialist youth officer under section 21 (2) for consideration of whether
action should be taken under Part 5.15 Giving of warnings(1) A warning is to be given by the investigating official and may be
given at any place, including a place where the child is
found.(2) An investigating official who gives a warning to a child must
not:(a) attach any conditions to the giving of a warning,
(b) impose any additional sanctions on a child to whom a warning is
(3) A warning may be given to more than one child at the same
time.16 Explanation of warningsAn investigating official who gives a warning to a child must take
steps to ensure that the child understands the purpose, nature and effect of
the warning.16A Parents of child may be notified of warning(1) An investigating official who gives a warning to a child, or a
youth liaison officer, may notify the parents of the child (whether in
writing, verbally or in person) that a warning has been given to the child in
respect of an offence committed by the child.(2) However, an investigating official or youth liaison officer may
not notify a parent of a child under subsection (1) if the official or officer
is of the opinion that the disclosure of the giving of the warning would pose
an unacceptable risk to the safety, welfare or well-being of the
child.17 Records of warnings(1) An investigating official must make a record of any warnings given
by the official under this Part.(2) The record is to contain the matters prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this section.(3) Despite anything to the contrary in the State Records Act 1998 or any other
law, the Commissioner of Police is to ensure that any record made under this
section of a warning is destroyed or expunged (as the case requires) as soon
as is reasonably practicable after the person to whom the record relates
reaches the age of 21 years.Note. The Commissioner of Police may delegate this function. See section
31 of the Police Act
1990.(4) This section does not require a record made under this section and
held by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research to be destroyed or
expunged if the record was divulged to the Bureau in accordance with section
66.Part 4 CautionsDivision 1 Cautions by persons other than courts18 Offences for which cautions may be givenA caution may be given for an offence covered by this Act, other
than a graffiti offence or any other offence prescribed by the regulations for
the purposes of this section.Note. Section 8 sets out offences covered by this Act. Under section 31,
a court may give a caution for a graffiti offence.19 Conditions required to be able to give cautionA formal police caution against further offending may be arranged
and given in relation to an offence to a child who is alleged to have
committed the offence, if:(a) the offence is one for which a caution may be given,
(b) the child admits the offence, and
(c) the child consents to the giving of the caution,
(d) the child is entitled to be given a
20 Entitlement to be dealt with by caution(1) A child who is alleged to have committed an offence for which a
caution may be given is entitled to be dealt with by caution if the
investigating official determines that the matter is not appropriate for a
warning or the offence is one for which a warning may not be
given.(2) Despite subsection (1), the child is not entitled to be dealt with
by caution if, in the opinion of the investigating official, it is more
appropriate to deal with it by other means because it is not in the interests
of justice for the matter to be dealt with by giving a
caution.(3) In considering whether it is appropriate to deal with a matter by
caution, an investigating official is to consider the following:(a) the seriousness of the offence,
(b) the degree of violence involved in the
(d) the number and nature of any offences committed by the child and
the number of times the child has been dealt with under this
(e) any other matter the official thinks appropriate in the
(4) Despite subsection (1), an investigating official may, if of the
opinion that the victim has suffered substantial harm or that the
circumstances of the victim are such that it is appropriate to do so, refer
the matter to a specialist youth officer to determine whether the matter
should be dealt with under this Part or Part 5 even though the offence does
not involve any degree of violence or is not of a serious
nature.(5) A specialist youth officer to whom a matter is referred under
subsection (4) may arrange for a caution to be given under this Part or take
action under Part 5 and, in determining whether to do so, may take into
account the fact that the victim has suffered substantial harm or the
circumstances of the victim.(6) A child is not precluded from being given a caution merely because
Act.(7) Despite any other provision of this section, a child is not
entitled to be dealt with by caution in relation to an offence if the child
has been dealt with by caution on 3 or more occasions:(a) whether by or at the request of a police officer or specialist
youth officer under section 29 or by a court under section 31,
(b) whether for offences of the same or of a different
21 Determination by investigating official(1) If an investigating official determines that a child should be
dealt with under this Part, the investigating official must arrange for a
caution to be given.(2) If an investigating official is of the opinion that it is not in
the interests of justice for a matter to be dealt with by way of a caution,
the investigating official must refer the matter to a specialist youth officer
to consider whether the child should be dealt with under Part
5.22 Explanations to children(1) Before an investigating official proceeds to arrange for a caution
to be given under this Part, the investigating official must explain the
following matters to the child concerned:(a) the nature of the offence and the circumstances out of which it is
alleged to arise,
(b) that the child is entitled to obtain legal advice and where that
advice may be obtained,
(c) that the child is entitled to elect that the matter be dealt with
by a court,
(d) the purpose, nature and effect of the
(2) An investigating official must, if practicable, ensure that an
explanation takes place in the presence of:(a) a person responsible for the child, or
23 Referrals for cautions(1) A child may be referred for a caution under this Part by the
Director of Public Prosecutions if:(a) the offence is one for which a caution may be given under this
(c) the child consents to the giving of the
(2) In determining whether to refer a matter for a caution, the
Director of Public Prosecutions is to take into account the following
matters:(a) the seriousness of the offence,
(e) any other matter the Director thinks appropriate in the
(3) The referral is to be made to a person authorised in writing by
the Commissioner of Police for the purposes of this
section.(4) The authorised person must arrange for a caution to be given to
the child under this Part.(5) Despite any other provision of this section, the Director of
Public Prosecutions may not refer a child for a caution in relation to an
offence if the child has been dealt with by caution on 3 or more
occasions:(a) whether by or at the request of a police officer or specialist
24 Notice of caution(1) Before a caution is given to a child, the person arranging for the
caution to be given must give a written notice to the
child.(2) The notice must contain the following information:(a) the offence in respect of which the caution is to be
(b) the persons who may be present when the caution is
(c) the purpose, nature and effect of the caution,
(d) the date, time and place at which the caution is to be
(e) the name of a police officer who is a contact officer concerning
(f) the consequences of failure to attend the giving of the
(g) the right of the child to obtain legal advice and where that
(h) the right of the child to elect that the matter be dealt with by a
court if the child does not wish to proceed with the
(3) The notice must be given in a form approved by the Commissioner of
Police and be expressed in language readily capable of being understood by
children.24A Written statements from victims(1) Before a caution is given to a child, the person arranging for the
caution to be given may:(a) seek a written statement from any victim of the offence concerned
that describes the harm occasioned to the victim by the offence,
(b) give guidance to any such victim as to the kind of matters that
are appropriate for inclusion in the statement, and
(c) provide any such statement received by the person to the person
giving the caution to the child.
content and form of written statements under subsection
(1).25 Right not to proceed(1) A child may, at any time before a caution is given to the child,
decide not to proceed with the caution and elect that the matter be dealt with
by a court.(2) An investigating official who arranges for a caution to be given
may, at any time before the caution is given, determine that it is not in the
interests of justice for the matter to be dealt with by way of a caution and
refer the matter to a specialist youth officer for consideration of whether
action should be taken under Part 5.(3) The Director of Public Prosecutions may, at any time before a
caution is given in respect of an offence referred by the Director under this
Part, determine that it is not in the interests of justice for the matter to
be dealt with by way of a caution and refer the matter to a conference
administrator under Part 5 or commence proceedings.(4) An investigating official or the Director of Public Prosecutions
must give written notice to the child concerned of any determination by the
official or Director under this section.26 Place and time of cautions(1) A caution must, if practicable, be given not less than 10 days,
and not more than 21 days, after notice of the caution is given under this
Part.(2) A caution is to be given at a police
station.(3) Despite subsection (2), a caution may be given at a place other
than a police station, if the person giving the caution is of the opinion that
it is appropriate in the circumstances to do so.27 Persons who may give cautions(1) A caution is to be given by a police officer or specialist youth
officer authorised in writing by the Commissioner of Police to give cautions
under this Act.(2) Despite subsection (1), a caution may be given by a respected
member of the community at the request of any such officer, if the officer is
of the opinion that it is appropriate in the circumstances to do so. For
example, a caution may be given by a respected member of the Aboriginal
community if the child is a member of that
community.28 Persons who may accompany childThe following persons, but no other persons, may be present when a
caution is given to a child:(a) the child and the person giving the caution,
(c) members of the child’s family or extended
(e) a respected member of the community chosen by the child, if the
person arranging the caution is of the opinion that it is appropriate in the
circumstances to do so,
(f) an interpreter,
(g) if the child has a communication or cognitive disability, an
appropriately skilled person,
(h) if the child is under care, a social worker or other health
(i) if the child is subject to probation or a community service order,
the child’s supervising officer,
(j) if the investigating official is not giving the caution, the
investigating official,
(k) if the child and (if present) a person of the kind referred to in
paragraph (b)–(d) who is an adult consent, one student or probationary
police officer for the purpose of training the
29 Giving of cautions(1) A person who gives a caution to a child must take steps to ensure
that the child understands the purpose, nature and effect of the
caution.(2) If a child who is to be cautioned has a communication or cognitive
disability, it is the duty of the person giving the caution, so far as
practicable, to give the caution in the presence of an interpreter or other
appropriately skilled person and, if necessary, to obtain the assistance of
such a person in giving the caution.(2A) A person proposing to give a caution to a child may defer giving
the caution:(a) if a person responsible for the child or the adult chosen by the
child is not present—until a person responsible for the child or an
adult chosen by the child is present, or
(b) if it appears to the person that the child is so affected by
alcohol or another drug (or a combination of drugs) that the child’s
capacity to understand the purpose, nature or effect of the caution is
impaired—until the person considers that the child has regained that
(2B) A person who gives a caution to a child may, if the person
considers it appropriate, read out some or all of a written statement from a
victim that is provided to the person under section 24A when giving the
caution.(3) It is the duty of the person giving the caution to ensure, so far
as practicable, that a person responsible for the child or an adult chosen by
the child is present when the caution is given.(4) A person who gives a caution to a child may request the child
being cautioned to provide a written apology to any victim of the alleged
offence.(5) A person who gives a caution to a child must not:(a) attach any conditions to the giving of the caution,
(b) impose any additional sanctions on the child, other than a request
of the kind referred to in subsection (4).
(6) A caution may be given to more than one child at the same time and
in respect of more than one offence alleged to have been committed by a
child.30 Caution notice(1) A caution notice containing the following information must be
given to a child after the child is cautioned and must be signed by the
child:(a) the child’s name,
(b) the name and rank (if any) of the person who gave the
(c) details of the offence concerned,
(d) the place, date and time of the caution,
(e) the persons present when the caution was
(f) the purpose, nature and effect of the
(2) The caution notice must be expressed in language readily capable
of being understood by children.Division 2 Cautions by courts31 Cautions by courts(1) A child may be given a caution by a court if:(a) the offence is one for which a caution may be given under Division
1 or is a graffiti offence, and
(b) the child admits the offence.
(1A) If a court gives a caution under this section, the court must
dismiss the proceedings for the offence in respect of which the caution is
given.(1B) A court giving a caution may:(a) allow any victim of the offence concerned to prepare a written
statement that describes the harm occasioned to the victim by the offence,
(b) if it considers it appropriate to do so, may permit all or part of
the statement to be read to the child when giving the
(1C) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the
(1B).(2) This Part (other than this section and sections 32 and 33) does
not apply to a caution given by a court.(3) Nothing in this Part affects the power of a court to give a
caution under section 33 of the Children
(Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987.(4) A court that gives a caution under this section must notify, in
writing, the Area Commander of the local police area in which the offence
occurred of its decision to give the caution and must include the reasons why
the caution was given.(5) Despite any other provision of this section, a court may not give
a caution to a child in relation to an offence if the child has been dealt
with by caution on 3 or more occasions:(a) whether by or at the request of a police officer or specialist
youth officer under section 29 or by a court under this section,
Division 3 Cautions generally32 Further proceedingsIf a caution is given to a child under this Part, no further
proceedings may be taken against the child for the offence in respect of which
the caution is given or for any other offence in respect of which proceedings
could not be commenced if the child had been convicted of the offence for
which the caution was given.33 Records of cautions(1) A police officer, specialist youth officer or a court must make a
record of any cautions given by the officer or court under this
Part.(2) The record is to contain the matters prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this section.33A Destruction of finger prints, palm prints and
photographs(1) If a child is given a caution under this Part, the Commissioner of
Police is to ensure that any finger prints or palm prints obtained from, or
photographs taken of, the child in connection with the offence for which the
caution is given (and any copies of them) are destroyed.Note. The Commissioner of Police may delegate this function. See section
1990.(2) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in the
any other law.Part 5 Youth justice conferencesDivision 1 Preliminary34 Principles and purposes of conferencing(1) The principles that are to guide the operation of this Part and
persons exercising functions under this Part, are as follows:(a) The principle that measures for dealing with children who are
alleged to have committed offences are to be designed so as:(i) to promote acceptance by the child concerned of responsibility for
his or her own behaviour, and
(ii) to strengthen the family or family group of the child concerned,
(iii) to provide the child concerned with developmental and support
services that will enable the child to overcome the offending behaviour and
become a fully autonomous individual, and
(iv) to enhance the rights and place of victims in the juvenile justice
(v) to be culturally appropriate, wherever possible,
(vi) to have due regard to the interests of any
(b) The principle that sanctions imposed on children who commit
offences are:(i) to be of a kind most likely to promote the development of such
children within their family or family group, and
(ii) to take the least restrictive form that is appropriate in the
(iii) to assist children to accept responsibility for
(c) The principle that any measures for dealing with, or sanctions
imposed on, children who are alleged to have committed offences take into
account:(i) the age and level of development of any such children,
(ii) the needs of any children who are disadvantaged or who are
disconnected from their families, and
(iii) the needs of any children with disabilities, especially those with
communication and cognitive difficulties, and
(iv) the gender, race and sexuality of any such
(2) The purpose of a conference is to make decisions and
recommendations about, and to determine an outcome plan in respect of, the
child who is the subject of the conference.(3) In reaching decisions at a conference, the participants are to
have regard to the principles set out in this section and the following
matters:(a) the need to deal with children in a way that reflects their
rights, needs and abilities and provides opportunities for
(b) the need to hold children accountable for offending
(c) the need to encourage children to accept responsibility for
(d) the need to empower families and victims in making decisions about
a child’s offending behaviour,
(e) the need to make reparation to any
35 Offences for which conferences may be heldA conference may be held for an offence covered by this Act, other
than an offence prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this
section.Note. Section 8 sets out offences covered by this
Act.36 Conditions required to be met before conference may be
heldA conference may be arranged and held in respect of a child who is
alleged to have committed an offence, if:(a) the offence is one for which a conference may be held,
(c) the child consents to the holding of the conference,
(d) the child is entitled to be dealt with by holding a
37 Entitlement to be dealt with by conference(1) A child who is alleged to have committed an offence (other than a
graffiti offence) for which a conference may be held is entitled to be dealt
with by holding a conference if the investigating official determines that the
matter is not appropriate for a caution.(2) Despite subsection (1), the child is not entitled to be dealt with
by holding a conference if, in the opinion of the specialist youth officer to
whom the matter is referred, it is more appropriate to deal with it by
commencing proceedings against the child or by giving a caution because it is
not in the interests of justice for the matter to be dealt with by holding a
conference.Note. A matter is referred to a specialist youth officer by an
investigating official if the investigating official is of the opinion that it
is not in the interests of justice that a warning or caution be given (see
sections 14 (4) and 21).(3) In considering whether it is appropriate to deal with a matter by
conference, a specialist youth officer is to consider the following:(a) the seriousness of the offence,
(4) A specialist youth officer must, not later than 14 days after
receiving a referral under section 14 (4) or 21 (2), determine whether or not
the child concerned is entitled to have the matter dealt with by holding a
conference.(5) A child is not precluded from being dealt with by a conference
merely because the child has previously committed offences or been dealt with
under this Act in relation to other matters.(6) Despite any other provision of this section, it is not appropriate
for a child to be dealt with by caution in relation to an offence if the child
38 Determinations by specialist youth officers(1) If a specialist youth officer determines that a conference should
be held in respect of an alleged offence (other than a graffiti offence)
committed by a child, the specialist youth officer must refer the matter to a
conference administrator for a conference.(2) If a specialist youth officer is of the opinion that a matter can
and should be dealt with by giving a caution and need not be dealt with by
holding a conference, the specialist youth officer must refer the matter to a
person authorised for the purposes of section 27 for a caution to be given
under Part 4.Note. Graffiti offences cannot be dealt with by caution except by a
court—see section 18.(3) If a specialist youth officer is of the opinion that a matter
should be dealt with by commencing proceedings against the child, the
specialist youth officer must refer the matter to an investigating official or
other appropriate authority for the commencement of
proceedings.(4) Unless it is impracticable to do so, a specialist youth officer
must consult with the investigating official before making any decision as to
whom the matter is to be referred.(5) Despite any other provision of this section, a specialist youth
officer may not refer a child for a caution in relation to an offence if the
child has been dealt with by way of caution on 3 or more occasions:(a) whether by or at the request of a police officer or specialist
39 Explanations to children(1) Before a specialist youth officer proceeds to refer a matter for a
conference under this Part, the specialist youth officer must explain the
alleged to have arisen,
(d) what a conference is and the effect of the
(2) A specialist youth officer must, if practicable, ensure that an
40 Referrals for conferences by DPP and courts(1) The Director of Public Prosecutions may refer a matter involving a
child who is alleged to have committed an offence to a conference
administrator for a conference if:(a) the offence is one (other than a graffiti offence) for which a
conference may be held, and
(d) the Director is of the opinion that a conference should be held
(1A) A court may refer a matter involving a child who is alleged to
have committed an offence to a conference administrator for a conference
if:(a) the offence is one for which a conference may be held,
(c) the court is of the opinion that a conference should be held under
(2) An offence may be referred under this section even though the
offence was not dealt with by an investigating
official.(3) A court may refer a matter at any stage in proceedings, including
after a finding that a child is guilty of an
offence.(4) The Director of Public Prosecutions or a court must notify the
Commissioner of Police in writing of the particulars of any referral after
making a referral under this section.(5) In determining whether to refer a matter for the holding of a
conference, the Director of Public Prosecutions or a court is to take into
account the following matters:(a) the seriousness of the offence,
(e) any other matter the Director or court thinks appropriate in the
(6) Unless it is impracticable to do so, the Director of Public
Prosecutions must consult with the investigating official (if any) before
making any decision as to whom the matter is to be
referred.41 Conference administrator may refer matters to
DPP(1) Unless it is impracticable to do so, a conference administrator
must, on referral of a matter by a specialist youth officer for a conference
under this Part, consult with both the specialist youth officer and the
investigating official as to whether the matter should be dealt with by
holding a conference if of the opinion that the matter should not be so dealt
with, having regard to the following matters:(a) the seriousness of the offence,
(2) If the conference administrator, specialist youth officer and
investigating official, after consultation, fail to agree as to how a matter
should be dealt with, the conference administrator must refer it to the
Director of Public Prosecutions.(3) On referral of a matter, the Director of Public Prosecutions must,
having regard to the matters set out in section 40 (5), determine whether the
matter should be dealt with by giving a caution, by holding a conference or by
commencing proceedings.(4) The Director of Public Prosecutions must, not later than 14 days
after receiving a referral under this section, determine whether or not the
child concerned is entitled to have the matter dealt with by holding a
conference.(5) The Director of Public Prosecutions must notify the conference
administrator of the Director’s
determination.(6) If the conference administrator, specialist youth officer and
investigating official agree, or the Director of Public Prosecutions
determines, that a matter should be dealt with by giving a caution, the
conference administrator must refer the matter to a person authorised for the
purposes of section 27 for a caution to be given under Part
4.(7) If the conference administrator, specialist youth officer and
determines, that a matter should be dealt with by holding a conference, the
conference administrator must appoint a conference convenor for the
conference.(8) If the conference administrator, specialist youth officer and
determines, that proceedings should be commenced, the conference administrator
must refer the matter back to the specialist youth officer or other
appropriate authority for the commencement of
proceedings.(9) Despite any other provision of this section, a child may not be
referred for a caution in relation to an offence if the child has been dealt
Division 2 Conferences42 Appointment of conference convenor(1) If a conference administrator is satisfied that a matter has been
referred for a conference under this Part, the conference administrator must
appoint a conference convenor for the conference.(2) This section does not apply if the conference administrator refers
a matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions under section
41.43 Time limit for holding conferencesA conference should be held not later than 28 days after the
referral for the conference is received by the conference administrator and
not less than 10 days after notice is given to a child under section 45,
unless the administrator reasonably considers that it is not practicable to do
so.44 Right not to proceed(1) A child may, at any time before a conference is held, decide not
to proceed with the conference and elect that the matter be dealt with by a
court.(2) A specialist youth officer who refers a matter for a conference
may, at any time before the conference is held, determine:(a) that it is not in the interests of justice for a matter to be
dealt with by a conference and refer the matter to the investigating official
or other appropriate authority for the commencement of proceedings,
(b) that the matter need not be dealt with by holding a conference and
arrange for a caution to be given under Part 4.
(3) The Director of Public Prosecutions or a court may, at any time
before a conference is held in relation to a matter referred by the Director
or court, determine that the matter should not be dealt with by way of a
conference.(4) A specialist youth officer, the Director of Public Prosecutions or
a court must give written notice to the child of a determination made by the
officer, Director or court under this section.(5) Despite any other provision of this section, a child may not be
45 Preparation for conferences(1) The conference convenor must determine:(a) the date, time and place of the conference,
(b) the persons who should be invited to
(2) A conference convenor must, if practicable, before determining the
matters referred to in subsection (1):(a) consult with the relevant conference administrator, the person or
court that made the referral, the child who is the subject of the conference,
a person responsible for the child and any victim, and
(b) advise any victim of the victim’s right to attend and to be
accompanied by a support person or persons or to be represented by a person
chosen by the victim, and
(c) take into account the specific needs of the child and of any
(3) Before a conference is held, the conference convenor or conference
administrator must give a written notice containing the following information
to the child who is the subject of the conference:(a) the offence or offences in respect of which the conference is to
(b) the child’s right to have a person responsible for the
child, or an adult chosen by the child, present at the
(c) the date, time and place of the conference,
(d) the name of the conference convenor,
(e) any requirements to be met by the child,
(4) Before a conference is held, the conference convenor must take all
who the convenor determines are to be invited to attend, of the date, time and
place of the conference.(5) Before a conference is held, the conference convenor must take all
reasonable steps to provide persons who are to attend the conference with
information available to the convenor that, in the convenor’s opinion,
will be needed to reach a decision about the
matter.(6) Before a conference is held, a conference convenor must ascertain,
if practicable, the views about the matter of any persons who have been
invited to attend but have advised that they will not be
attending.46 Location of conferences(1) A conference may be held at a location agreed by the participants
and the conference convenor but may not be held at a police station, a court
house or any office of that part of the Department of Attorney General and
Justice comprising persons who are principally involved in the administration
of the Children (Detention Centres) Act
1987 or the Children
(Community Service Orders) Act
1987.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a conference may be held at a
detention centre, within the meaning of the Children (Detention Centres) Act
1987, if the child who is the subject of the conference is
detained in the detention centre.47 Participants in conferences(1) The following persons are entitled to attend a conference:(a) the child the subject of the conference (whether or not the child
is in custody),
(b) the conference convenor,
(c) a person responsible for the child,
(d) members of the child’s family or extended
(e) an adult chosen by the child,
(f) an Australian legal practitioner advising the
(g) the investigating official,
(h) a specialist youth officer,
(i) any victim or a person chosen by the victim as a representative of
(j) a support person or persons for any victim,
(k) if the conference convenor, child, any victim and (if present) a
person responsible for the child all consent, one police officer for the
purpose of training the officer.
(2) If the conference convenor is of the opinion that it is
appropriate, the conference convenor may invite any of the following persons
to attend a conference:(a) a respected member of the community, for the purpose of advising
conference participants about relevant issues,
(b) an interpreter,
(b1) if the child attends a government or non-government school (within
the meaning of the Education Act
1990) as a student, a representative of the
(c) if the child has a communication or cognitive disability, an
(d) if the child is under care, a social worker or other health
(e) if the child is subject to the supervision of the Department of
Attorney General and Justice pursuant to an order made under section 33 of the
1987, the child’s supervising
(f) any other person requested by the child’s family or extended
(3) The conference convenor may permit a person to attend a conference
for the purposes of carrying out research or evaluation that has been
specifically approved by the Minister, but only with the consent of the child
the subject of the conference and any victim. Any such person may not
participate in the conference.48 Conduct of conferences(1) A conference convenor must conduct a conference in a way that best
assists the reaching of an agreement about an outcome plan in relation to the
child and the offence concerned that complies with this Act and the
regulations.(2) The participants at a conference may regulate the procedure at a
conference as they think fit, subject to any guidelines prepared by the
Director-General under section 49.(3) If the conference convenor is of the opinion that the presence of
a person (other than the child or any victim) may frustrate the purpose or
conduct of a conference, or is otherwise not in the best interests of the
child, the convenor may, having regard to the views of the child, exclude that
person from attending the conference at all or may, during the course of the
conference, exclude the person from continuing to attend the
conference.(4) A conference must not make any recommendations or decisions if the
participants are unable to determine whether the child admits the
offence.(5) The conference convenor must, at or before a conference, notify
the participants of the views of any person invited to attend but unable to do
so, if the convenor is aware of those views.(6) A conference may be adjourned:(a) at any time with the consent of the participants,
(b) at the request of the child, to allow discussions between the
child and the child’s family or the child and a person responsible for
(7) A conference must, if practicable, be concluded not later than 7
days after it is first convened.(8) A conference may be held in respect of more than one child at the
same time and in respect of more than one offence alleged to have been
committed by a child.49 Guidelines for conduct of conferences(1) The Director-General may approve written guidelines for the
conduct of conferences.(2) A conference convenor is to conduct a conference in accordance
with any applicable guidelines approved under this
section.50 Representation at conferences(1) Except as provided by subsection (2), a child who is the subject
of a conference is entitled to be advised (but not represented) by an
Australian legal practitioner at the conference.(2) The conference convenor may permit a child who is the subject of a
conference to be represented by an Australian legal practitioner at the
conference, either generally or subject to such conditions or limitations as
may be imposed by the convenor.(3) A conference may be adjourned at any time for the purpose of
allowing a child to obtain legal advice or representation by an Australian
legal practitioner.51 Non-attendance at conferencesIf a child fails, without a reasonable excuse, to attend a
conference, the conference convenor must notify the relevant conference
administrator who must refer the matter back to the person or body that
referred the matter for a conference.52 Outcomes of conferences(1) The participants at a conference may agree to make such
recommendations or decisions as they think fit. Any such decision that
requires the compliance of the child is to be contained in the outcome plan
agreed by the conference.(2) Before determining an outcome plan, the participants in the
conference must give particular consideration to the desirability of the
child’s participation in an appropriate program, as referred to in
subsection (5) (c).(3) An outcome plan is, if possible, to be determined by consensus of
the participants in the conference and, subject to subsection (4), may be
agreed to by the conference even though it is not agreed to by all the
participants.(4) The child, and any victim of the offence who personally attends
the conference, each have a right of veto with respect to the whole of an
outcome plan, or with respect to any decision proposed to be contained in an
outcome plan, regardless of the views of any other participant in the
conference.(5) Without limiting the kinds of decisions and recommendations that
may be contained in an outcome plan, an outcome plan may provide for the
following matters:(a) the making of an oral or written apology, or both, to any
(b) the making of reparation to any victim or the
(c) participation by the child in an appropriate
(d) the taking of actions directed towards the reintegration of the
child into the community.
(5A) The kinds of program that may be appropriate to be contained in an
outcome plan include the following:(a) counselling programs,
(b) drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs,
(c) educational programs,
(d) other programs aimed at improving a child’s
whether conducted by a government agency, an educational institution or a
community organisation (such as a Police and Community Youth
Club).(6) An outcome plan must:(a) contain outcomes that are realistic and appropriate and sanctions
that are not more severe than those that might have been imposed in court
proceedings for the offence concerned, and
(b) set out times (not exceeding any limits imposed by the
regulations) for the implementation of the plan, and
(c) not impose an obligation to do community service work that exceeds
the period prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section,
(d) if appropriate, provide for its monitoring,
(e) comply with any requirements or limitations imposed on outcome
plans by the regulations.
(7) A conference convenor must notify a conference administrator of
any outcome plan determined by the participants at a
conference.53 Failure of conference to reach decision(1) A conference convenor must notify the relevant conference
administrator if the convenor is satisfied that the participants at a
conference are unable to agree to an outcome plan or are unable to agree to an
outcome plan that complies with this Act and the regulations or if the child
or any victim of the offence who has personally attended the conference has
exercised his or her right of veto with respect to an outcome
plan.(2) On receiving notice under subsection (1), the conference
administrator must refer the matter back to the person or body that referred
the matter for a conference.54 Matters referred by courts(1) A conference convenor must refer any outcome plan agreed to at a
conference to a court, if the court referred the matter for a
conference.(2) The court may approve the plan or, if it does not, may continue
the proceedings.(3) A court that does not approve an outcome plan must notify the
relevant conference administrator.55 Reconvening of conferences(1) A conference may be reconvened by the relevant conference
administrator, on the conference administrator’s initiative or at the
request of more than one participant in the conference, for the purpose of
reconsidering any aspect of the outcome plan or any recommendation agreed at a
conference.(1A) A conference administrator may appoint the same or a different
conference convenor for a reconvened conference.(2) In deciding whether to reconvene a conference, the conference
administrator must consult with any victim.(3) A conference administrator must not reconvene a conference unless
the conference administrator is satisfied that:(a) it is in the interests of justice to do so, or
(b) the outcome plan or any recommendation of an outcome plan has
become unsuitable or unworkable.
(4) The participants at a reconvened conference may agree to vary or
replace a previously agreed outcome plan.(5) Any variation or replacement of an outcome plan is, if possible,
to be determined by consensus of the participants in the reconvened conference
and, subject to subsection (6), may be agreed to by the conference even though
it is not agreed to by all the participants.(6) The child, and any victim of the offence who personally attends
the reconvened conference, each have a right of veto with respect to the whole
of the new outcome plan, or with respect to any decision proposed to be
contained in the new outcome plan, regardless of the views of any other
participant in the conference.(7) (Repealed)(8) The conference convenor must notify a conference administrator of
the result of a reconvened conference.(9) This Part applies to a reconvened conference in the same way as it
applies to any other conference.56 Satisfactory completion of outcome plans(1) A conference administrator is to supervise the monitoring and the
implementation and completion of each outcome plan (including an outcome plan
varied or replaced by a reconvened conference) and is to give written notice
as to whether or not the outcome plan has been satisfactorily completed by the
child.(2) The written notice under this section must be given to the child,
any victim, the person or body that referred the matter for a conference, the
Commissioner of Police (if the matter was referred by the Director of Public
Prosecutions or a court) and any other person on whom the outcome plan imposed
obligations.57 Additional provisions relating to completion and
non-completion of outcome plans(1) A notice that a child has failed to satisfactorily complete an
outcome plan given to the person or body that referred the matter for a
conference is to be accompanied by a report from the conference convenor
concerning the conference and may be accompanied by such other reports and
recommendations as the conference administrator thinks fit.Note. If the Children’s Court releases a child on condition that
the child complies with an outcome plan, and the child fails to comply with
the outcome plan, an authorised justice may issue a summons or warrant for the
arrest of the child (see section 41 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act
1987). A person or body may continue or commence proceedings
against a child if the child fails to satisfactorily complete an outcome plan
(see section 64 of this Act).(2) A court that referred a matter for a conference without making a
finding that the child concerned was guilty of an offence must dismiss under
this subsection a charge against a child on receiving notice that an outcome
plan relating to the offence concerned has been satisfactorily completed by
the child.58 Further proceedingsIf a child satisfactorily completes an outcome plan, no further
criminal proceedings may be taken against the child for any offence in respect
of which the conference was held or for any other offence in respect of which
proceedings could not be commenced if the child had been convicted of the
offence for which the conference was held.59 Records of conferences(1) A conference administrator must make a record of any conferences
held under this Part and dealt with by the
administrator.(2) The record is to contain the matters prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this section.Division 3 Co-ordination of conferences60 Conference convenors(1) The Director-General may appoint persons as conference
convenors.(2) Schedule 1 has effect with respect to conference
convenors.(3) A conference convenor has the following functions:(a) to prepare for, and to hold, conferences referred to the convenor
by a conference administrator,
(b) any other functions conferred or imposed on the convenor by or
(4) Without limiting subsection (1), a police officer may be appointed
as a conference convenor under this section in the police officer’s
private capacity.61 Conference administratorsConference administrators may be appointed under Part 2 of the
1988 for the purpose of carrying out administrative functions
related to this Act and any other functions conferred on conference
administrators by or under this Act.Part 6 Miscellaneous62 Act binds CrownThis Act binds the Crown in right of New South Wales and, in so
capacities.62A Delegation of Director-General’s
functionsThe Director-General may delegate the exercise of any function of
the Director-General under this Act or the regulations (other than this power
of delegation) to any of the following persons:(a) a Deputy Director-General of the Department of Attorney General
(a1) the Chief Executive of Juvenile Justice, Department of Attorney
General and Justice or a Deputy Chief Executive of Juvenile Justice,
Department of Attorney General and Justice,
63 Proceedings for offencesProceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations are
to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court.64 Continuation or commencement of proceedings(1) A person or body may continue or commence proceedings against a
child in respect of an offence even though an applicable limitation period for
those proceedings has expired if:(a) a decision not to give a caution or hold a conference is made
(b) a child elects not to proceed with a caution or a conference or
fails to attend a caution or conference, or
(c) a conference fails to reach agreement as to an outcome plan,
(d) a child fails to satisfactorily complete an outcome
(2) Proceedings for the offence must be commenced not later than the
expiry date of the applicable limitation period or not later than 3 months
after the matter is referred back to the person or body under this section,
whichever is the later.65 Publication and broadcasting of names(1) The name of any child dealt with under this Act, or any
information tending to identify any such child, must not be published or
broadcast, whether before or after the matter involving the child is finally
dealt with under this Act.(2) A person who publishes or broadcasts the name of any child or any
information the publication or broadcasting of which is prohibited by
subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units (in the case of a corporation)
or 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both, in any other
case.(3) Subsection (1) does not prohibit:(a) the publication or broadcasting of an official report of the
proceedings of a court that includes the name of any child or any information
the publication or broadcasting of which would otherwise be prohibited by
(b) the publication or broadcasting of the name of a child or any
information about such a child who is over the age of 16 years at the time of
publication or broadcasting with the consent of the
(4) For the purposes of this section, a reference to the name of a
child includes a reference to any information, picture or other material that
identifies the child or is likely to lead to the identification of the
child.66 Disclosure of records(1) A person who acquires information or prepares a record in the
exercise of functions under this Act must not, directly or indirectly, divulge
the information to another person except in the exercise of functions under
this Act.Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units (in the case of a corporation)
case.(2) Despite subsection (1), information may be divulged in the
following circumstances:(a) records of, or relating to, cautions and conferences may be
divulged to the child, a person responsible for the child or a legal
representative of the child,
(b) records of, or relating to, cautions and conferences under this
Act may be divulged to an investigating official, specialist youth officer,
conference convenor, conference administrator, the Director of Public
Prosecutions or a court for the purpose of determining whether or not to take
action under this Act,
(c) records of, or relating to, cautions and conferences under this
Act may be divulged to the Children’s Court for the purpose of making a
decision concerning sentencing,
(d) records of, or relating to, warnings under this Act may be
divulged to a youth liaison officer for the purpose of taking action under
section 16A,
(e) records of, or relating to, cautions and conferences under this
Act may (subject to any regulations made for the purposes of subsection (3))
be divulged to an authorised officer of the Department of Attorney General and
(f) records of, or relating to, warnings, cautions and conferences
under this Act may (subject to any regulations made for the purposes of
subsection (3)) be divulged to a person employed in the Bureau of Crime
(3) The regulations may make for provision for or with respect to the
divulging of records in the circumstance referred to in subsection (2) (e) or
(f).(4) In this section:authorised
officer of the Department of Attorney General and Justice means any
of the following officers of the Department:(a) the Director-General,
(b) a Deputy Director-General,
(c) the Chief Executive of Juvenile Justice or a Deputy Chief
Executive of Juvenile Justice,
(d) a juvenile justice officer,
(e) such other member of staff (or member of staff belonging to a
class of members of staff) of the Department as may be prescribed by the
67 Certain statements inadmissible(1) Any statement, confession, admission or information made or given
by a child during the giving of a caution or a conference under this Act is
not to be admitted in evidence in any subsequent criminal or civil
proceedings.(2) Despite subsection (1), an outcome plan agreed at a conference may
be produced to a court if the court has referred a matter for a
conference.68 Interventions not to be disclosed as criminal
history(1) If a person has been the subject of a warning, caution or
conference under this Act:(a) the person is not required to disclose to any other person for any
purpose information concerning the warning, caution or conference,
(b) a question concerning the person’s criminal history is taken
not to refer to any such warning, caution or conference,
(c) in the application to the person of a provision of an Act or
statutory instrument, a reference in the provision to the person’s
character or fitness is not to be interpreted as permitting or requiring
account to be taken of any such warning, caution or
(2) In so far as a caution or conference is concerned, subsection (1)
does not apply in relation to:(a) an application by a person for appointment or employment as a
judge, magistrate, justice of the peace, police officer, prison officer,
teacher or teachers aide, or
(b) an offence of arson or attempted arson if the person seeks to be
appointed or employed in fire fighting or fire prevention,
(c) proceedings before the Children’s Court (including a
decision concerning sentencing), or
(d) an application by a person for employment in child-related
employment within the meaning of Part 7 of the Commission for Children and Young People Act
mattersNothing in this Act prevents an investigating official from acting
on information obtained during the course of a caution or conference in
relation to offences other than offences the subject of the
conference.70 (Repealed)71 Giving of noticesIf by or under this Act a document is required or permitted to be
given to or served on a person, the document may be given or served:(a) by delivering it personally to the person, or
(b) by leaving it at that person’s usual or last known place of
residence with a person apparently over the age of 16 years and apparently
residing there, or
(c) by sending it by post addressed to the person at that
person’s usual or last known place of residence, or
(d) if a manner of service is prescribed by any other Act or law in
relation to a person or class of persons, by being served in that
72 Liability of officers under Act(1) Any matter or thing done by the Director-General, a conference
administrator, a conference convenor, a person giving a caution (other than a
police officer or specialist youth officer) or a person acting under the
direction of the Director-General, conference administrator or convenor does
not subject the Director-General, conference administrator, conference
convenor or person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or
demand if the matter or thing was done in good faith for the purpose of
executing this or any other Act.(2) A person referred to in subsection (1) is not liable for an
offence under section 316 (1) of the Crimes
Act 1900 in respect of information obtained by the person in
the course of a conference.73 Regulations(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act,
respect to the following matters:(a) the content and keeping of records required to be made under this
(b) notification of referrals of children for
(c) authorising the bringing of children or parents who are in custody
to conferences and ensuring the dignity and full participation in conferences
of persons brought from custody to conferences,
(d) outcome plans,
(e) the provision by the Director-General to the Commissioner of
Police of information, records, or parts of records, relating to conferences
held under this Act,
(f) the provision by the Director-General or the Commissioner of
Police of information, records, or parts of records, relating to cautions and
conferences under this Act, to persons for statistical or research
exceeding 10 penalty units.74 (Repealed)75 Savings and transitional provisionsSchedule 3 has effect.76 Review of Act(1) The Minister is to review this Act to determine whether the policy
section.(3) A report of the outcome of the review is to be tabled in each
years.Schedule 1 Conference convenors(Section 60)1 Term of officeSubject to this Schedule, a conference convenor holds office for
such period (not exceeding 3 years) as is specified in the convenor’s
re-appointment.2 RemunerationA conference convenor is entitled to be paid such remuneration
time to time determine in respect of the conference
convenor.3 Vacancy in office(1) The office of a conference convenor becomes vacant if the
convenor:(a) dies, or
(2) The Director-General may remove a conference convenor from office
at any time.4 Effect of certain other Acts(1) Chapter 2 of the Public Sector
respect of the appointment of a conference
convenor.(2) If by or under any Act provision is made:(a) requiring a person who is the holder of a specified office to
office and also the office of a conference convenor or from accepting and
convenor.(3) The office of a conference convenor is not, for the purposes of
Crown.Schedule 2 (Repealed)Schedule 3 Savings and transitional provisions(Section 75)Part 1 General1 Savings and transitional regulations(1) The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or
amends this Act.(2) Any such provision may, if the regulations so provide, take effect
Act2 Existing proceedingsA court may take action under Part 4 or 5 in respect of criminal
proceedings commenced, but not completed, before the commencement of this
clause.3 Early implementation of Act(1) Regulations under clause 1 may limit the application of provisions
of this Act to offences occurring in a specified part or parts of New South
Wales for a specified period or periods.(2) If a regulation is made under this clause, the application of the
Act is limited as specified by the regulation even though the specified
provisions of the Act have commenced.(3) A regulation made under this clause ceases to have effect on the
date that is 12 months after the date of commencement of this
clause.Part 3 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts and Other Legislation Amendment Act
Legislation Amendment Act 2007.5 Application of amendments(1) Any amendment made to this Act by the amending Act relating to the
conduct of youth justice conferences or the giving of cautions extends to any
child:(a) who committed or is alleged to have committed an offence covered
by this Act before the commencement of the amendment, and
(b) in respect of whom it has been decided (whether before or after
the commencement of the amendment) that the child should be dealt with under
this Act by means of a youth justice conference or caution, but that
conference or caution has not yet been conducted or
(2) Section 7A (as inserted by the amending Act) and, accordingly,
this Act extends in relation to any person:(a) who committed or is alleged to have committed an offence covered
by this Act before the commencement of that section, and
(b) was a child when the offence was committed or was alleged to have
been committed, and
(c) who has not been previously dealt with under this Act in respect
of the offence or alleged offence, and
(d) who is under the age of 21 years.
(3) The amendment made to section 10 by the amending Act applies to
admissions made on or after the commencement of the
amendment.6 Abolition of Youth Justice Advisory Committee(1) The Youth Justice Advisory Committee established by section 70 of
this Act is abolished on the day on which that section is repealed by the
amending Act (the abolition
day).(2) A person who, immediately before the abolition day, held office as
a member of the Youth Justice Advisory Committee:(a) ceases to hold office on that day, and
(b) is not entitled to be paid any remuneration or compensation
because of ceasing to hold that office.
(3) Nothing in the clause prevents the Minister from convening one or
more committees (including committees constituted with former members of the
Youth Justice Advisory Committee) to advise the Minister in relation to
matters arising under this Act.Part 4 Provisions consequent on enactment of Graffiti Legislation Amendment Act
20127 Application of amendments(1) In this Part:amending
Act means the Graffiti Legislation
Amendment Act 2012.(2) An amendment made to this Act by the amending Act relating to the
giving of cautions or warnings with respect to an offence committed under the
applies in respect of an offence committed after the commencement of the
amendment.Part 4 Provision consequent on enactment of Crimes Legislation Amendment Act
20127 Destruction and disclosure of records(1) Anything done or omitted to be done before the commencement of
Schedule 3.5 to the Crimes Legislation
Amendment Act 2012 in relation to the destruction of records
of warnings or the disclosure of records of, or relating to, warnings,
cautions and conferences to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research that
could have been validly done or omitted to be done if the amendments made to
this Act by that Subschedule had been in force when it was done or omitted to
be done, is taken to have been validly done or omitted to be
done.(2) Section 17 (4), as inserted by Schedule 3.5 to the Crimes Legislation Amendment Act
2012, extends to records of warnings divulged to the Bureau of
Crime Statistics and Research before the commencement of that
Subschedule.Historical notesThe following abbreviations are used in the Historical notes:
Am amended LW legislation website Sch Schedule Cl clause No number Schs Schedules Cll clauses p page Sec section Div Division pp pages Secs sections Divs Divisions Reg Regulation Subdiv Subdivision GG Government Gazette Regs Regulations Subdivs Subdivisions Ins inserted Rep repealed Subst substituted Table of amending instrumentsYoung Offenders Act 1997
No 54. Assented to 2.7.1997. Date of commencement, secs 60, 61, 70
and 73 and Sch 1 excepted, 6.4.1998, sec 2 and GG No 64 of 3.4.1998, p 2291;
date of commencement of secs 60, 61, 70 and 73 and Sch 1, 28.11.1997, sec 2
and GG No 130 of 28.11.1997, p 9480. This Act has been amended as
1998No 51Young Offenders Amendment Act 1998.
Assented to 29.6.1998.Date of commencement, 3.8.1998, sec 2 and GG No 115 of 31.7.1998, p
14.12.1998.Sch 2.26 was not commenced and was repealed by the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection)
Amendment (Children’s Services) Act 2010 No
1999No 40Crimes Legislation Amendment Act
1999. Assented to 8.7.1999.Date of commencement, 1.9.1999, sec 2 and GG No 98 of 27.8.1999, p
Act 1999. Assented to 30.11.1999.Date of commencement of Sch 3.3, 3.4.2000, sec 2 and GG No 35 of
Amendment Act 1999. Assented to 8.12.1999.Date of commencement of Sch 3, 17.12.1999, sec 2 (1) and GG No 141 of
17.12.1999, p 11903.
144 of 24.12.1999, p 12184; date of commencement of Sch 4.65, 3.4.2000, sec 2
2001No 117Criminal Legislation Amendment
Act 2001. Assented to 18.12.2001.Date of commencement of Sch 13, 21.12.2001, sec 2 (1) and GG No 196 of
21.12.2002, p 10437.
2002No 69Young Offenders Amendment Act
2002. Assented to 10.9.2002.Date of commencement, 15.11.2002, sec 2 and GG No 220 of 15.11.2002, p
Provisions) Act (No 2) 2002. Assented to 29.11.2002.Date of commencement of Sch 2.26, assent, sec 2
2003No 9Crimes Amendment (Sexual
Provisions) Act (No 2) 2004. Assented to 10.12.2004.Date of commencement of Sch 1.44, assent, sec 2
2006No 39Drug Misuse and Trafficking
Amendment Act 2006. Assented to 31.5.2006.Date of commencement of Sch 2, 24.7.2006, sec 2 and GG No 93 of
21.7.2006, p 5747.
Provisions) Act 2006. Assented to 20.6.2006.Date of commencement of Sch 3.26, assent, sec 2
2007No 73Courts and Other Legislation
Amendment Act 2007. Assented to 7.12.2007.Date of commencement of Sch 4 [1]–[8] and [10]–[32],
1.5.2008, sec 2 (2) and GG No 44 of 24.4.2008, p 2790; date of commencement of
Sch 4 [9], 3.11.2008, sec 2 (2) and GG No 138 of 31.10.2008, p
Further Amendment Act 2008. Assented to 8.12.2008.Date of commencement of Sch 28, assent, sec 2
30.11.2009.Date of commencement of Sch 31, assent, sec 2
2010No 67Children and Young Persons (Care
and Protection) Amendment (Children’s Services) Act
2010. Assented to 15.9.2010.Date of commencement, 1.1.2011, sec 2 and 2010 (694) LW
Act 2012. Assented to 28.8.2012.Date of commencement, 10.12.2012, sec 2 and 2012 (599) LW 7.12.2012. Sch
1.7 [12] was without effect as the provision being amended was substituted by
No 67Crimes Legislation Amendment Act
Sec 3Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [1].Sec 4Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [1]; 2002 No 112, Sch 2.26;
2007 No 73, Sch 4 [2]–[4]; 2009 No 96, Sch 31 [1]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7
[1]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [1].Sec 5Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [5].Sec 7Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [6].Sec 7AIns 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [7].Sec 8Am 1998 No 99, Sch 1.15; 1999 No 67, Sch 3.3 [1]
[2]; 1999 No 94, Sch 4.65; 2001 No 117, Sch 13 [1] [2]; 2001 No 121, Sch 2.204
[1]; 2003 No 9, Sch 2.2; 2006 No 39, Sch 2.1 [1] [2]; 2007 No 80, Sch
2.20.Sec 9Am 1999 No 91, Sch 3; 2007 No 73, Sch 4
[8].Sec 10Am 2006 No 58, Sch 3.26; 2007 No 73, Sch 4
[9].Sec 13Am 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [2].Sec 16AIns 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [10].Sec 17Am 1998 No 149, Sch 2.12 [1] [2]; 2007 No 73, Sch 4
[11]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [2].Part 4, Div 1, headingIns 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [3].Sec 18Subst 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [3].Sec 20Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [1].Sec 22Am 2006 No 58, Sch 3.26; 2008 No 107, Sch 28
[1].Sec 23Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [2].Sec 24AIns 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [12].Sec 28Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [13].Sec 29Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [14].Part 4, Div 2, headingIns 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [4].Sec 31Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [2]; 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [3];
2007 No 73, Sch 4 [15]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [5].Part 4, Div 3, headingIns 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7 [6].Sec 33AIns 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [16].Sec 37Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [4]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7
[7].Sec 38Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [5]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7
[8]–[10].Sec 39Am 2006 No 58, Sch 3.26; 2008 No 107, Sch 28
[2].Sec 40Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [6]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7
[11].Sec 41Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1
[7]–[9].Sec 42Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [17].Sec 43Subst 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [18].Sec 44Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [10].Sec 45Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [3]; 2007 No 73, Sch 4
[19].Sec 46Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [4]; 2009 No 96, Sch 31 [2];
2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [1].Sec 47Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [11]; 2006 No 58, Sch 3.26;
2007 No 73, Sch 4 [20] [21]; 2009 No 96, Sch 31 [3]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5
[1].Sec 50Am 2006 No 58, Sch 3.26.Sec 51Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [5].Sec 52Am 2002 No 69, Sch 1 [12]
[13].Sec 53Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [6] [7]; 2002 No 69, Sch 1
[14].Sec 54Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [8].Sec 55Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [9]–[11]; 2002 No 69,
Sch 1 [15].Sec 57, headingSubst 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [12].Sec 57Am 1999 No 40, Sch 4 [1]; 2007 No 73, Sch 4
[22].Sec 60Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [13].Sec 61Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [14].Sec 62AIns 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [23]. Am 2009 No 96, Sch 31
[3] [4]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [1].Sec 63Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.204 [2]; 2007 No 94, Sch
2.Sec 66Am 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [24] [25]; 2009 No 96, Sch 31
[3] [5]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [1] [3] [4].Sec 67Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [15].Sec 68Am 1998 No 149, Sch 2.12 [3] [4]; 1999 No 40, Sch 4
[2]; 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [26]; 2010 No 67, Sch 2.6.Sec 70Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [16] [17]; 2004 No 91, Sch
1.44. Rep 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [27].Sec 74Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 4.Sch 1Am 1999 No 94, sec 7 (2) and Sch 5, Part 2; 2007 No
73, Sch 4 [28].Sch 2Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 4.Sch 3Am 1998 No 51, Sch 1 [18]; 2001 No 117, Sch 13 [3];
2002 No 69, Sch 1 [16]; 2007 No 73, Sch 4 [29]–[32]; 2012 No 57, Sch 1.7
[13]; 2012 No 67, Sch 3.5 [5] [6].