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Juvenile law covers legal matters affecting children and young people under 18. In Erina - a community on the Central Coast of New South Wales - juvenile matters are dealt with under New South Wales state laws and through local services. The key focus of juvenile law is to balance community safety with rehabilitation and the best interests of the child. Legal processes for young people differ from adult criminal law - they use specialised courts, diversion programs and privacy protections aimed at reducing the lifelong impact of early contact with the justice system.
You may need a lawyer if a child or young person is accused of criminal behaviour, involved in a police interview, or facing court. A lawyer can explain rights and options, ensure fair treatment at police interviews, and advocate for diversion where appropriate. Lawyers also help in child protection matters when the Department of Communities and Justice becomes involved, including care-and-protection proceedings, removal from home, or guardianship disputes. Family law disputes involving children's living arrangements and contact can overlap with juvenile matters and benefit from legal advice. If a young person is subject to youth detention or community-based orders, a lawyer helps challenge or seek appropriate conditions.
Key legal frameworks in New South Wales that apply to juveniles include the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act, the Young Offenders Act, and the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act. These laws establish how police handle young people, the operation of the Children's Court, and pathways such as police cautions, youth justice conferences and court-ordered programs.
Local services and procedures important in Erina include the Children's Court listings that serve the Central Coast, Youth Justice NSW programs, and diversion options intended to avoid formal convictions where appropriate. There are strict protections for young people - for example, hearings are usually closed to the public and there are limits on publishing a young person’s identity. Sentencing and orders for juveniles prioritise rehabilitation - options range from warnings and cautions to youth justice conferences, community-based orders and, in serious cases, youth detention.
The minimum age of criminal responsibility in New South Wales is 10. Children under 10 cannot be charged with criminal offences. Young people aged 10 to under 18 are dealt with under juvenile justice laws that use different procedures and sentencing options than the adult system.
If police want to interview a child, you should ask for a lawyer and for a parent or responsible adult to be present. A lawyer experienced in juvenile law can advise before and during the interview, and can ensure the child understands their rights. It is usually better to seek legal advice before answering questions.
Yes. Bail procedures for young people reflect their age and circumstances. The Children’s Court considers whether detention is necessary and whether appropriate bail conditions are available. Police or the court can grant bail with conditions suited to the young person’s needs, but serious matters may result in remand until the court date.
Diversion aims to avoid formal court proceedings by addressing offending behaviour early. Options include police cautions, youth justice conferences and referral to counselling or programs. Diversion is more likely for first-time or low-level matters and where it serves the young person’s rehabilitation and community safety.
Juvenile records are handled differently from adult criminal records. Many outcomes, especially diversion and non-court outcomes, may not result in a criminal conviction. Some records remain for official use but access and disclosure are restricted. There are processes to seek non-disclosure or removal in certain circumstances, and a lawyer can advise on long-term effects and record-cleaning options.
The Children’s Court uses procedures suited to young people. Hearings are usually closed to the public and conducted with a focus on rehabilitation. The court can make a range of orders including youth justice conference referrals, community-based orders, bonds, or, for serious offences, detention orders. A lawyer represents the young person, presents evidence and argues for appropriate outcomes.
Child protection law responds to risks of harm and neglect and is typically driven by the Department of Communities and Justice. These matters focus on the child’s safety, care and long-term welfare, and can result in orders for supervision, parental responsibility changes or removal from the home. Juvenile criminal law focuses on alleged offences. Both systems can interact - for example when offending occurs in the context of family safety concerns - and lawyers can help navigate both systems.
In some circumstances parents or guardians may face civil or criminal consequences, or be required to participate in programs or comply with orders. The exact outcomes depend on the offence, the parent’s role and applicable laws. Legal advice is important if there is a risk of parental liability or orders affecting parental responsibilities.
Look for lawyers who list children’s law, youth justice or criminal law with juvenile experience. Legal Aid NSW provides duty solicitors and representation for eligible matters. Community legal centres and specialised youth legal services also assist. Ask about experience with the Children’s Court, diversion programs and child protection matters when choosing a lawyer.
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you may be eligible for Legal Aid NSW. Eligibility depends on the seriousness of the matter, the young person’s circumstances and financial situation. Community legal centres offer free or low-cost advice, and some local services provide targeted assistance for young people and families on the Central Coast.
Department of Communities and Justice - NSW - responsible for child protection and youth justice services in the state.
Youth Justice NSW - provides programs, detention services and community-based options for young people.
Children’s Court of New South Wales - the specialist court that hears juvenile criminal and some child protection matters; local listings serve the Central Coast region.
Legal Aid NSW - offers legal advice, duty solicitor services and representation for eligible young people and families.
LawAccess NSW - government legal information and referral service for people in New South Wales.
Central Coast Community Legal Centre - local community legal services that can assist with youth, family and civil law matters.
Aboriginal Legal Service - provides culturally appropriate legal assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families.
Local youth and family support organisations - many local non-government organisations provide counselling, family support and early intervention programs that work alongside legal processes.
If you or a young person in Erina needs legal assistance, start by gathering key information - dates, statements, any police or court documents and contact details for involved adults. If the matter is urgent or safety is at risk, contact emergency services or child protection right away. For legal help, contact Legal Aid NSW or your local community legal centre to check eligibility for representation and get initial advice. If you are engaging a private lawyer, ask about experience in juvenile matters, fee arrangements and how they will support the young person through court or diversion processes.
Attend scheduled appointments and hearings with your lawyer, keep records of all communications, and engage available support services - such as counselling, drug and alcohol services or family support programs - which can be important for a positive legal outcome. A specialised juvenile lawyer will guide you through options, advocate for the least disruptive resolution for the young person, and explain any longer-term implications for records and rehabilitation.
