When a court sentences your child to time in custody, or if your child has refused bail, they go to a youth detention centre.

Youth detention centres are secure places for people aged 10 to 18. They exist to:

• protect the safety of the community
• provide consequences for offending
• prepare detained young people to live productively in the community.

Detention centre staff are trained to work with young people. Staff help them develop their independence in a healthy way, and start to get them ready for adulthood and employment.

Staff are employed by the Queensland Government. They’re committed to providing a safe environment for your child and everyone else who enters the centre.

Caseworkers

In detention, your child has a caseworker who visits them regularly and keeps in touch with you. The caseworker looks after issues to do with your child’s sentence and charges.

Your child can speak to their caseworker about anything they’re worried about.

Medical

Nurses are available at all times to help your child if they need medical attention. Doctors visit the centre every day and your child can access medical specialists if they need to.

We encourage you to visit your child in a detention centre. Regular visits from family and friends help young people reintegrate with the community once they’re released.

If you live a long way from the centre, centre staff can arrange for you to have a virtual visit with your child via video conference.

You can speak to your child on the phone while they’re in detention. However, your child must call you. You won’t be able to call them unless it’s an emergency.

If you have to tell your child something that may upset them, let the staff know so they can support your child.

Your child is allowed 120 minutes of call time each week to talk to their family and friends. They can talk for up to 10 minutes at a time, and make up to 12 calls a week.

They can also speak to their lawyer or caseworker, or the community visitor. These calls have no time limit and don’t count towards their 120 minutes.

You can send as many letters to your child as you like. Staff at the centre check all letters before children receive them. Staff also check any letters that your child sends to you. Staff won’t check letters to or from your child’s solicitor.

Send your letters to:

Brisbane Youth Detention Centre
PO Box 450
ARCHERFIELD BC QLD 4108