Youth Koori Court facts for kids

The Youth Koori Court (YKC) is a special court in New South Wales, Australia. It helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who have gotten into trouble with the law. This court works as part of the Children's Court of New South Wales. The first Youth Koori Court started in Parramatta in 2015. Another court opened in Surry Hills in 2019 to help young people in Sydney. In 2022, the first regional YKC began in Dubbo. The YKC brings in older members of the Aboriginal community, like elders, to help young people connect with their culture and make better choices.

What is the Youth Koori Court?

The word Koori is used to describe Aboriginal people from south-east Australia. This area includes parts of what are now Victoria and southern New South Wales. The main idea behind the Youth Koori Court is to have respected Aboriginal community members, including elders, work with young Aboriginal people who are involved with the legal system. They act as guides and offer support.

How the Youth Koori Court Started

The first Youth Koori Court began as a trial program in Parramatta in 2015. This was because many Aboriginal young people were getting into trouble with the law in New South Wales. The trial was successful, so the court received money to continue its work permanently. Its funding was extended in 2018 for another three years. Extra money was also given to help caseworkers support the young people appearing in court.

In 2018, the court expanded. A new Youth Koori Court opened in Surry Hills on February 6, 2019. This court helps Indigenous youth in the center of Sydney. In July 2022, the first Youth Koori Court outside of a major city was set up in Dubbo.

How the Court Works

The Youth Koori Court is part of the Children's Court of New South Wales. It has the same legal powers as the Children's Court. However, it uses a different approach to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their families, and the wider community.

Helping Young People

With the help of elders and other respected community members, the Youth Koori Court first tries to understand why a young person might be getting into trouble. They look at things like not having a stable home, not being involved in school, or other health issues.

Support Plans and Monitoring

• A special plan is created with the young person. This plan helps them deal with their challenges. It also helps them connect more with their culture and community.
• The Youth Koori Court watches how well the young person follows their plan over several months. The young person needs to come back to court a few times to check in.
• At the end of this process, the judge decides on the young person's outcome. They consider all the steps the young person has taken to improve their situation.

This court offers a different path instead of the usual legal system. It aims to help with the reasons why young Aboriginal people might get into trouble. These reasons can include not having good housing or not being involved in school.

Community Involvement

According to a 2018 statement, the Youth Koori Court brings together elders, lawyers, and police. They all sit down to talk about the issues affecting a young person's behavior. The court creates smart, personalized plans for each young person. These plans encourage them to connect with their family, community, and culture. This helps stop problems from getting worse. Young people can take up to 12 months to complete their program. Their effort is considered when the court makes its final decision.

Court's Positive Impact

Studies by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show good results. Young people who went through a Youth Koori Court are about 40% less likely to go to prison. This is compared to those who go through the regular court system. Also, the court does not cause young people to get into trouble again more often.

See also

• Aboriginal Community Court, in Western Australia (2006–2015)
• Circle sentencing, also in New South Wales
• Community court
• Community court (Northern Territory) (2005–2012)
• Koori Court, in Victoria (2002–present)
• Murri Court, in Queensland (2002-2012, 2016–present)