Youth Justice Act 2024

be cared for and supported in a manner that is appropriate for their age, maturity and stage of development; and

have their individual risks and needs addressed, including any underlying causes of their offending behaviour or alleged offending behaviour; and

have their abilities and strengths fostered; and

be supported in a gender-responsive way that accords girls and young women in custody equitable access to supports, services and facilities; and

be supported in an inclusive and a safe way, with equitable access to supports, services and facilities that respects their gender identity, sex characteristics or sexual orientation; and

be treated in a manner that recognises the unique vulnerabilities and systemic and structural issues that disproportionately impact children and young persons in custody from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including by—

treating those children and young persons in a manner that values their unique cultural identities, beliefs, faiths and languages, and supports them to express and practise their cultural identities, beliefs, faiths and languages accordingly; and

acknowledging and supporting those children and young persons to overcome barriers to their rehabilitation and positive development, including trauma, discrimination, racism and bias; and

be treated in a manner that acknowledges and supports any disability, health, mental illness or mental health needs of the child or young person.