Youth Justice Conference
At Fair Foundations, we believe every young person deserves the chance to take responsibility, make amends, and build a brighter future.
Through Youth Justice Conferences, we support you to take steps to repair harm caused by offending behaviour while avoiding a criminal record and reconnecting with your community.
What you need to know
A Youth Justice Conference is a restorative justice process for young people aged 10–17 in NSW who have committed an offence. Instead of going through the court system, eligible young people can take part in a safe, structured meeting where you acknowledge your actions and work toward repairing harm caused.
Learn more about Youth Justice Conferences on the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/youth-justice/conferencing
The police, Children’s Court, or Director of Public Prosecutions may refer you to a youth justice conference under the Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW). This option is usually considered for less serious offences, as an alternative to going to court.
Here’s how we can support you
Our Youth Support Specialists are here to guide you and your family through every step of the Youth Justice Conference process. We can:
- Attend the conference alongside you and your family or support person
- Provide individual case management before, during, and after the conference
- Help the young person understand what to expect and feel prepared
- Support them to complete their outcome plan and make positive changes
How does a Youth Justice Conference work?
1. Referral
You may be referred to a Youth Justice Conference by police, the court, or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
2. Agreement to participate
To take part, you need to admit to the offence and agree to attend the conference.
3. The Conference
The conference is organised and led by a trained Youth Justice Convener, and is attended by:
- You and your family or support person
- The victim (if they choose to attend) and their support person
- Police and community members
- One of our Youth Support Specialists, who can attend the conference to support you
Together, everyone talks about what happened, how it affected others, and what needs to happen next.
4. Outcome Plan
An agreement is made on how you can make amends. Your plan may include:
- Writing a letter of apology
- Community service
- Mentoring or education programs
- Repairing damage or paying restitution
If you complete the plan, the matter is finalised with no criminal conviction.
Why Youth Justice Conferences matter
This process helps you:
- Understand the real impact of your actions
- Take responsibility and make amends in meaningful ways
- Avoid a criminal record and further involvement with the justice system
- Reconnect with your community and focus on positive pathways forward
We know this can be a challenging time for you. Our role is to provide non-judgmental guidance, advocacy, and support to help you move past mistakes and create change for the better.
Refer a young person
If you're a service provider, school, health or support worker looking to connect someone with our programs, you can make a referral using our simple online form.
Want to know more?
If you’d like to find out more about Youth Justice Conferences or discuss how we can support you, get in touch with our team.