The South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group (the Expert Working Group) was established as a partnership between the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Commission for Children and Young People.
The Expert Working Group explored how to address the over representation of South Sudanese Australian young people in Victoria’s youth justice system.
In partnership with African and South Sudanese Australian youth-led organisations, the group held consultations with African and South Sudanese Australian young people across Victoria. Over 200 young people shared their experiences of youth crime, mental health, employment, education and alcohol and other drugs.
Reports
The Expert Working Group gave its final report to the Victorian Government in December 2025.
Read the Expert Working Group’s report on the Department of Justice and Community Safety website.
Youth forum report
Young people shared their thoughts and ideas on how Victoria’s justice, education and social services system could improve.
A deep dive into the perspectives and ideas we heard at these youth forums is available in the first Youth Forum Report (pdf 1.8mb).
This report focuses on the first three forums that were led by Next Gen Unite, African Youth Initiative and South Sudanese Minds.
Thank you to all the young people who contributed to these sessions and were so gracious in sharing their thoughts and ideas.