Transferring to an adult prison

Part of the Youth detention topic

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In short

If your child is already 18 or turns 18 while in a watch house they will not be admitted to a youth detention centre. They will go to an adult prison if they’re remanded or sentenced.

Receiving a notice of prison transfer

If your child in youth detention is turning 18 or has turned 18 they will be issued with a notice of prison transfer to an adult prison. The transfer will happen within 30 days of them turning 18, unless they are sentenced and are about to be released.

The notice will include information about the date they’ll be transferred.

Your child can speak to a lawyer about the transfer if they choose to.

There are very limited circumstances when the Director-General of the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support may grant a delay.

Preparing for prison transfer

Youth Justice officers will help your child prepare for their transfer to an adult prison. They’ll get information about what might be available for them in prison, including:

• education
• training
• activities
• programs
• support.

They will also have the opportunity to talk with Queensland Corrective Services staff before the transfer.