The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) aims to improve how people’s human rights are protected when they are detained. The Australian Human Rights Commission believes that there needs to be greater momentum in Australia towards implementation.

This is the third and final report in the Council’s series on ‘crossover kids’: sentenced and diverted children known to the Victorian Child Protection Service. The series studied 5,063 children sentenced or diverted in the Children’s Court and identified those who were known to child protection.

This report looks at young people who were under youth justice supervision in Australia during 2018–19 because of their involvement or alleged involvement in crime. It explores the key aspects of supervision, both in the community and in detention, as well as recent trends.

This strategic plan provides the foundation for a transparent 10-year blueprint for youth Justice, detailing the reform directions, objectives and key actions for the Victorian youth justice system.

This report highlights the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been disproportionately affected by the more punitive and restrictive policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.