'Sharp rise' in kids in custody in NSW, data shows 60 per cent of children in youth detention are Indigenous
The assessment from NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) executive director Jackie Fitzgerald comes just months after the state government strengthened bail laws for minors.
According to data from BOSCAR, the state now houses 234 children in detention centres across NSW.
In the past two years data showed the number of juveniles in state detention has risen by 34 per cent, Ms Fitzgerald told the ABC.
"Aboriginal children make up 60 per cent of the youth detention population now. That's a considerable increase, its amongst the highest number we've ever seen.
"And we can see that the increase is really considerable — 36 per cent over the past two years for Aboriginal young people."
Three out of four children on remand in the state are being held in custody after being denied bail, according to BOSCAR.
Ms Fitzgerald said the system for juveniles had now become "a space for young people waiting for court as opposed to a sanction for an offence".
"Were moving in the wrong direction absolutely for that, and quite considerably off track to meet that [closing the gap] target now," she said.
Redfern Legal Centre chief executive officer Camilla Pandolfini said new bail laws introduced in NSW last year, and renewed this year, have made it harder for children to remain in the community while facing criminal charges.
"I'm shocked, it's a shocking statistic," she said.
"All of us should be concerned. Especially when the Australian government and the NSW government have committed to closing the gap.
The NSW government extended strict bail laws for young offenders accused of repeat car thefts and home invasions in March this year.
At the time, it claimed the change was "crucial to reduce youth crime and minimise young people's long-term contact with the justice system".
The changes restricted bail for minors between 14 and 18 if they are charged with car theft or break and enter if they were already on bail for similar offences at the time.
It was originally introduced in April 2024, in conjunction with a $26 million community safety package for youth outreach programs.
"We can see this law is working and that's why we've extended it — to make sure we break the cycle of youth offending and strengthen community safety," Attorney General Michael Daley said at the time.
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