Juvenile offending is when a child participates in illegal or criminal behaviour. Historically, children were regarded as being both responsible for their own criminal behaviour and at risk of being led into criminal behaviour by unscrupulous adults. As early as the 1840s it was recognised that young offenders should receive different treatment to adults. Children's Courts were established in Australian states and territories for this purpose. Over time, the institutions to accommodate juvenile offenders in the 'care' of the state have been called reformatories, juvenile lock-up, training centres, juvenile justice facilities/institutions, treatment institutions, and treatment centres.
Prepared by: Debra Rosser
Created: 8 October 2009, Last modified: 6 May 2015