For many families, receiving news that their child has been referred to a Youth Justice Conference can feel confusing and stressful. You may have questions about what the process involves, what it means for your child’s future, and how you can best support them.

In New South Wales, Youth Justice Conferences are designed to help young people take responsibility for their actions while repairing harm to victims and the community. Rather than focusing only on punishment, the process focuses on understanding, accountability, and positive change.

This guide explains how Youth Justice Conferences work, what families can expect, and how organisations like Fair Foundations support young people and their carers through the process.

What is a Youth Justice Conference?

A Youth Justice Conference is a structured meeting that brings together a young person who has committed an offence, the people affected by the offence, and supportive adults in their lives.

The aim is to talk openly about what happened, understand the harm caused, and agree on a plan to repair that harm.

In NSW, Youth Justice Conferences operate under the The Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW). This law allows certain young people aged 10–17 to take part in restorative justice processes instead of going through the traditional court system.

The conference is facilitated by a trained Convenor appointed through the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Convenor’s role is to guide the discussion, ensure everyone feels safe and respected, and help the group reach an outcome agreement.

This approach recognises that young people are still developing and often benefit more from accountability and guidance than from purely punitive responses. Learn more here.

How Youth Justice Conferences Differ from Court

Many families worry that a Youth Justice Conference means their child is entering the criminal justice system in a serious way. In reality, the process is designed to be an alternative to court where appropriate.

Court proceedings focus on determining guilt and imposing penalties. Youth Justice Conferences focus on repairing harm and helping the young person understand the consequences of their actions.

A key difference is that conferences involve conversation and participation. The young person, their family, the victim, and community members all have the opportunity to speak. Everyone involved can discuss how the offence affected them and what needs to happen next.

Because the process is collaborative, the outcomes often include practical steps that help the young person rebuild trust and move forward in a positive direction.

Research from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has found that restorative justice programs such as Youth Justice Conferences can reduce reoffending for certain types of offences, particularly when young people meaningfully engage with the process.

The Legal Framework Behind Youth Justice Conferences

Youth Justice Conferences in NSW operate under Part 5 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987.

This legislation created a diversionary system designed specifically for young people. Instead of relying solely on courts, the Act allows police and courts to refer eligible cases to a Youth Justice Conference.

The program is delivered by Youth Justice NSW within the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). DCJ oversees the coordination of conferences and appoints trained Convenors to run them.

According to DCJ reports and evaluations of the program, Youth Justice Conferences aim to:

• Encourage young people to accept responsibility for their actions
• Give victims a voice in the justice process
• Repair harm caused by offences
• Reduce the likelihood of reoffending
• Strengthen support networks around young people

This restorative model has been part of the NSW youth justice system since the late 1990s and is widely recognised as an important alternative to traditional court processes.

Who Is Involved in a Youth Justice Conference?

Youth Justice Conferences bring together several people who are connected to the offence or to the young person.

Participants typically include:

• The young person: They are at the centre of the conference and are encouraged to talk about what happened and take responsibility for their actions.
• Parents or carers: Families play a crucial role in supporting the young person throughout the process.
• The victim: If they choose to participate, the victim can explain how the offence affected them and ask questions.
• Support people: These may include extended family members, community representatives, youth workers, or trusted adults.
• The Youth Justice Conference Convenor: The Convenor facilitates the meeting and ensures the discussion remains respectful and productive.
• A police representative: Police may attend to explain the offence and ensure the legal aspects of the case are addressed.

Not every conference will involve exactly the same people, but the goal is always to include those who were affected and those who can help the young person move forward.

What Happens Before the Conference?

Before the conference takes place, the Convenor usually meets separately with each participant.

These preparation meetings are important. They help everyone understand what the conference will involve and give participants the chance to ask questions or raise concerns.

For families, this stage can also help reduce anxiety. Parents and carers can discuss their child’s situation, talk about any cultural or language needs, and understand what role they will play during the meeting.

Preparation also ensures that the young person is ready to participate in a respectful and constructive way.

What Happens During the Conference?

Youth Justice Conferences usually take place in a community setting rather than a courtroom. The environment is designed to feel less formal and more supportive.

During the meeting, participants sit together and talk about what happened.

The conversation typically follows a structured process:

• First, the offence is explained so everyone understands the situation.
• Next, the young person has the opportunity to speak about what happened and why.
• Victims and other participants may then share how the offence affected them emotionally, financially, or within the community.

This part of the process can be powerful. Many young people hear directly, sometimes for the first time, how their actions affected others.

• Finally, everyone works together to create an outcome plan that addresses the harm caused.

What Outcomes Can Come From a Youth Justice Conference?

At the end of the conference, participants agree on an outcome plan. This plan outlines the steps the young person will take to repair harm and demonstrate accountability.

Outcomes may include things such as:

• Writing a letter of apology
• Completing community service
• Paying compensation for damage
• Participating in counselling or support programs
• Attending education or skill-building activities

The outcome plan must be reasonable, achievable, and agreed to by everyone involved.

Once the young person completes the plan, the matter is usually finalised without needing to return to court.

The Important Role Families Play

Families are one of the most important influences in a young person’s life, especially during difficult moments.

Youth Justice Conferences recognise this by actively involving parents and carers in the process.

Your presence at the conference shows your child that they are not facing the situation alone. It also helps the conference group understand the young person’s background, strengths, and support network.

Families can help by encouraging the young person to take responsibility, supporting them to complete their outcome plan, and helping them make positive changes moving forward.

For many families, the conference can become a turning point where conversations happen that might not otherwise have taken place.