A youth justice custodial order (YJCO) is a sentence of youth detention for children and young people.
A youth justice custodial order is the most severe sentence that can be imposed on children and young people under the Youth Justice Act 2024 (Vic).
Young people participate in education and programs that address their offending behaviour while detained in a youth justice custodial centre.
The youth justice custodial order came into force on 30 September 2026. It replaces the youth justice centre order and youth residential centre order under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic). In 2023–24, about 3% of cases in the Children’s Court received a youth justice centre order or a youth residential centre order.
Maximum Duration of Detention
The maximum period of detention depends on the age of the child, the number of offences and the court jurisdiction (Children’s Court or an adult court).
For children aged under 15 in the Children’s Court, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 1 year for a single offence
- 2 years for one or more offences.
For children aged 15 or over in the Children’s Court, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 3 years for a single offence
- 4 years for one or more offences.
For young offenders (aged under 21) in an adult court under Victoria’s dual track system, the maximum period of detention in a youth justice custodial centre is:
- 2 years if the young offender is sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court
- 4 years if the young offender is sentenced in the higher courts (County and Supreme Courts).
Parole for Young People
Courts cannot set a non-parole period for a youth justice custodial order. However, the Youth Parole Board may consider releasing a child or young person on parole during the order. The child will have to comply with any parole conditions.
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