Understanding daily routine in youth detention

Understand what daily life looks like in a youth detention centre, including sleeping, eating, school and activities.

Young people in youth detention follow a structured daily routine from 7am. They go to school during the week and take part in activities and programs. Clothes, meals and essentials are all provided.

When your child arrives at the centre, their belongings are taken and stored until they're released. Dangerous items won't be stored. They'll be given clothes, shoes and everything else they need.

Your child can keep family photographs in their room. You can send some to them.

The centre has several accommodation units. Each has a kitchen, a lounge and dining room, a quiet area, an outdoor area and several young people's rooms.

Each room has a bed, toilet, shower, desk and shelf. Sheets, blankets, a pillow and toiletries are supplied.

There are times during the day and night when your child will be locked in their room. When they're locked in — including overnight — staff check on them at least every 15 minutes.

Your child gets three meals a day — breakfast, lunch and dinner — as well as morning and afternoon tea.

Dieticians review menus to make sure they offer appropriate nutrition and variety for young people. Most meals are cooked on site.

Staff can cater for health, cultural or religious dietary needs. Your child should let staff know about these when they arrive.

School, programs and activities

Your child goes to school at the detention centre Monday to Friday during school terms. The school can also offer vocational courses through TAFE.

Outside school hours and on weekends, the centre holds programs and activities including art, music, Indigenous dance and sport.

You may be interested in

• Rules for youth in detention
• Youth's rights in detention