Youth justice — diversion
Pre-court diversion for young offenders is provided for in the legislation of all jurisdictions and comprises part of a restorative justice framework. Restorative justice focuses on the needs of the victim, the offender and the community and encourages the offender to take responsibility for his or her actions and make reparations. Young offenders are treated differently to adult offenders, given their age and maturity, but the criminal justice system recognises that they need to take responsibility for the offending behaviour and be held accountable for their actions. Pre-court diversion in all jurisdictions generally consists of informal warnings, formal warnings and referral to conferences at the first instance contact with the criminal justice system is made, with court attendance being the last option. Generally, the young offender must have admitted to the offending behaviour and consent to the diversionary practice. The offences eligible for diversion tend to be summary offences or minor offences, and are more comprehensively defined in the relevant legislation for each jurisdiction.
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