NCJ Number
165796
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In this paper, the Australian Institute of Criminology presents trend information and data on the number of Indigenous (Aborigines) juveniles in detention in Australia.
Abstract
Australia now has a complete and consistent dataset on Indigenous juvenile detainees for the 3 years from September 1993 to June 1996. Despite this short time span, it is now possible to make some preliminary observations about trends in Indigenous juvenile detention. There has been an overall increase in the national overrepresentation level of Indigenous juveniles in detention between September 1993 and June 1996. On September 30, 1993, an Indigenous juvenile was 17 times more likely to be detained in Australia than a non-Indigenous juvenile, but by June 30, 1996, the likelihood of detention was 21 times greater for an Indigenous juvenile. When State overrepresentation levels are averaged over the 12 quarters from September 1993 to June 1996, Western Australia and Queensland stand out with average levels considerably higher than in the other jurisdictions. Too often attempts to divert youth from the juvenile justice system, including detention, impact differentially on Indigenous and non- Indigenous youth, with a net effect of further concentrating Indigenous youth in the system. Policies and practices to reduce youth detention rates must target Indigenous youth, and of necessity must include both juvenile justice system and broad- reaching reforms. 4 tables and 3 figures