Rules for visiting youth in detention

Part of the Youth detention topic

Understand the rules you must follow when visiting a youth in detention.


In short

There are certain rules you must follow when visiting a youth in detention.

These rules help you understand:

  • what you can bring inside the youth detention centre
  • how you must dress.

You must

When visiting a youth in detention you must:

  • show proof of ID when entering and visiting a youth detention centre
  • declare any items you have brought with you and pass through the mental detector
  • wear closed-in shoes.

You cannot

When visiting a youth in detention you cannot:

  • bring food
  • bring gifts
  • bring banned items such as
    • cigarettes
    • drugs
    • weapons/firearms
    • explosives/ammunition
    • knives / pocketknives / multi tools
    • other cutting/sharp-edged item or material
    • metal cutlery / utensils / scissors
    • rope/cord
    • non-prescribed or illegal drugs or drug-related items
    • lighters/matches
    • keys
    • alcohol or flammable substances
    • aerosol sprays (non-medication)
    • pornographic material.
  • be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when visiting
  • wear
    • clothing that has obscene or discriminatory words on it
    • shirts without sleeves, including tank tops and singlets
    • very tight clothing
    • clothing that you can see through
    • clothing that is revealing
    • stiletto heels.

Exceptions and special circumstances

You can:

  • bring money or transfer money into the young person’s trust account
  • bring special occasion items such as birthday cakes with permission from the Youth Detention Centre
  • wear minimal jewellery.

You may be interested in

Arrange to visit a youth in detention

Youth's rights in detention

Find a youth detention centre

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