This report analyses the sentencing of category A and B serious youth offences from their introduction in February 2018 to 30 June 2024. It identifies the most common category A and B offences sentenced in Victorian courts, the sentences imposed on children and young people for category A and B offences, and the age and gender of children and young people who committed those offences.

The findings provide a baseline against which to measure the effects of reforms to category A and B offences introduced in early 2026.

Key findings

• 489 category A or B serious youth offences were sentenced in 418 cases during this period. 
• The most common category A and B offences were home invasion, aggravated carjacking and carjacking, and most offenders were aged 16 or 17 at the time of the offence. 
• Most category A or B serious youth offences were sentenced in the Children’s Court, where 32% of charges of category A or B offences resulted in a youth justice centre order. 
• On the other hand, 97% of charges of category A or B offences resulted in either imprisonment or a youth justice centre order in the higher courts.