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In Australia, young people are placed in detention only as a last resort. In 2011-12, only 14% of those under youth justice supervision on an average day were in detention. This proportion ranged from 8% in Tasmania to 19% in New South Wales. However, around 41% were in detention at some point during the year. (Western Australia and the Northern Territory did not participate in the Juvenile Justice National Minimum Data Set during 2011-12. Where possible, estimates for these jurisdictions are included in the national totals. They are excluded from all state and territory comparisons.)

Just over half (54%) of all young people in detention on an average day were unsentenced - that is, in detention while awaiting the outcome of their court matter or sentencing. More than half were unsentenced in all states and territories except Victoria (22%).

In Victoria, the 'dual track' sentencing system for those aged 18 and over results in a larger proportion of sentenced detainees. Under this system, some young people aged 18-20 may be sentenced to detention in a youth facility (see also Age range for treatment as a young person). When only young people aged 10-17 are considered, about 45% of those in detention on an average day in Victoria were unsentenced.

Figure: Young people in detention on an average day by legal status, states and territories, 2011-12 (per cent)

Vertical bar chart showing (for sentenced and unsentenced detention) per cent on y-axis and states and territories on x-axis

Notes:  

  1. Western Australia and the Northern Territory did not supply JJ NMDS data for 2011-12. Totals include estimates for Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where available. Numbers were rounded to the nearest 5 young people and therefore may not sum to the total.
  2. Number of unsentenced and sentenced young people on an average day may not sum to total number of young people as young people may have changed legal status during the same day, or been on both types of orders at the same time.

Source: Youth justice in Australia 2011-12: an overview.

The median duration of completed periods of unsentenced detention was 4 days-substantially shorter than periods of detention (almost two months).

Some young people completed more than one period of detention during the year. When all time spent in detention during the year is considered, young people spent around 2 months (63 days) in detention, on average, during 2011-12.