A good behaviour order is where the Children’s Court adjourns proceedings against a child without conviction.
Under the Youth Justice Act 2024 (Vic), a good behaviour order generally lasts for:
- 6 months (or 12 months in exceptional circumstances) for children aged under 15 and
- 12 months (or 18 months in exceptional circumstances) for children aged 15 or over.
Conditions of a Good Behaviour Order
During the period of the good behaviour order, the child must:
- be of good behaviour
- appear before the court if required
- comply with any developmental conditions set by the court (like attending treatment or counselling).
If the child complies with the conditions of the good behaviour order for the period of the adjournment, the court will dismiss the charge without recording a conviction.
Breaching a Good Behaviour Order
A child might breach the conditions of the good behaviour order or might no longer be able to comply with the order. When this happens, the court may hold another hearing and cancel the good behaviour order, vary the order, or impose a different sentence.
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