Rules for youth in detention

Part of the Youth detention topic

Understand the rules youth must follow when in youth detention.

In short

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

These rules help them understand what:

  • is expected of them
  • they must not do.

They must

Youth in detention must:

  • be respectful
  • be safe
  • be responsible
  • be active
  • go to school
  • take part in programs
  • show respect to staff and other youths
  • follow staff instructions
  • do chores in their unit
  • use good manners
  • use good hygiene
  • go to bed at bedtime.

They cannot

Youth in detention cannot:

  • refuse to go to school
  • refuse to do programs
  • do graffiti or damage property
  • touch or damage fire alarms, sprinklers, cameras or security devices
  • swear at or verbally abuse other people
  • bully, be aggressive or harm other people
  • sexually harass other people
  • stir other youths up to be aggressive, harm other people or damage property
  • have inappropriate physical contact with other youths
  • break the law while in detention or they may be charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court.

Exceptions and special circumstances

We use behaviour support in our youth detention centres. It provides privileges and incentives when youth follow the rules and consequences for when they don’t follow the rules.

Behaviour support considers individual needs including:

  • personal circumstances
  • age
  • culture
  • gender
  • developmental level
  • abilities/disabilities
  • cognitive functioning.

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Last updated:
29 June 2026