Monday 18 May 2026 – for immediate release
Volunteer independent visitors are playing a vital and humanising role in the lives of children and young people detained in Victoria’s youth justice centres, according to the Commission for Children and Young People, commenting in National Volunteer Week, 18–24 May 2026.
‘As we continue to advocate for government to intervene early to prevent children and young people entering the youth justice system in the first place, it is critical we also acknowledge the importance of a human and independent connection for children and young people who are detained,’ said Tracy Beaton, Victoria’s Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, today.
The Commission’s Independent Visitor Program sends visitors to all of Victoria’s youth justice centres to provide independent, confidential support to children and young people, and to raise issues of concern that must then be addressed by centre management.
‘In a system pressured by an alarming rise in the remand of children and young people driven by punitive law-and-order measures, the Independent Visitor Program is increasingly important.
‘The conditions of youth detention must protect the rights and wellbeing of children and young people, and they must afford an environment that offers the best opportunities for rehabilitation. What we hear through our Independent Visitor Program is that conditions are variable and we still have a long way to go,’ Commissioner Beaton said.
Independent visitors come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and work to build trust with children and young people over time. Their visits can mean the difference in preventing self-harm, connecting with family and loved ones, accessing education and health services, and addressing safety concerns in the detention environment.
‘Visitors tell us that once children and young people realise that visitors are independent and voluntary, they will often open up and engage on the issues concerning them, knowing they can do so safely and that concerns will be followed up with action.
‘The diverse backgrounds of our volunteers cater for the varied backgrounds and circumstances of children and young people in detention. They help to “fill the gaps” in the system with human connection,’ Commissioner Beaton said.
With 20 visitors currently engaged in the program, the Commission is seeking to recruit further volunteers from Pacific Islander, South Sudanese, and Aboriginal backgrounds.
‘In a system that is too often dehumanising and punitive, independent visitors allow children and young people to be themselves. That can make a profound difference in their lives, and their future participation in a safer community,’ Commissioner Beaton said.
In July, the final report of the Commission’s inquiry into the criminal justice system will be tabled in the Parliament of Victoria. The inquiry examines the drivers and potential solutions to youth justice engagement in the criminal justice system for 10–14 year-olds.
‘Ultimately, the solutions we need lie in prevention and early intervention. We need to stem the flow of children and young people into youth detention in the first place.
‘With the reality of detention, however, we must also work to reduce its harms, and foster wellbeing, connection, and rehabilitation. Our independent visitors contribute to keeping our eyes firmly on the system,’ Commissioner Beaton concluded.
For interview:
Tracy Beaton
Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People
A visitor from the program may also be available for comment.
Media contact:
Darren Lewin-Hill
0437 046 360
Senior Communications & Media Adviser
Commission for Children and Young People