A good behaviour bond is where the Children’s Court adjourns proceedings against a child without conviction. Under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), a good behaviour bond generally lasts for one year.
During the period of the good behaviour bond, the child must:
- be of good behaviour
- pay a bond
- appear before the court if required to do so
- comply with any special conditions set by the court.
If the child complies with the conditions of the good behaviour bond for the period of the adjournment, the court will dismiss the charge and return the bond without recording a conviction.
If the child breaches the conditions of the bond, the court may declare the bond forfeited (that is, keep the bond money) and impose no further penalty. Or the court may hold another hearing and impose a different sentence.
The Children’s Court frequently imposes good behaviour bonds (around 20% of cases) (2022–23).
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