While the vast majority of young Territorians make a positive contribution to the community, it’s a sad fact that a small number of young offenders cause much community concern.

We all agree that youth crime is unacceptable and yet some families simply don’t seem to care about their children’s behaviour.

The Territory Government has a comprehensive plan to tackle youth crime and a range of measures are being introduced to address the issue.

The revolving door for repeat young offenders will stop - they will face court, not diversion programs.

Irresponsible parents will be held responsible for their children’s actions – they need to play their part to keep their kids on the right track.

Parents who fail to do this will be placed on Parental Responsibility Orders to ensure they better monitor their children. Breaches of the Parental Responsibility Orders can see fines imposed and non-payment of fines may result in non-essential household assets like flat screen TVs being seized.

Support will be provided to parents including access to parental guidance counselling.

Youth camps will be established and extra police will be on the beat with more patrols and CCTV in public places.



Questions and answers

What is the Territory Government doing to address youth crime?

We are putting more responsibility on parents to control their children.

Irresponsible parents will be required to enter into Parental Responsibility Orders.

We are stopping repeat offenders being able to access juvenile diversion programs repetitively. 

Diversion programs are very successful for some young people, but for those who continue to offend diversion programs are not an appropriate option.


What do Parental Responsibility Orders mean?

We want parents to work with authorities to ensure their children and the community is safe.

Irresponsible parents will be required to enter a contract to prevent their child from engaging in anti-social behaviour and youth crime.

If an order is breached, parents can be fined up to $2000. If a fine is not paid, assets such as flat screen TVs may be seized.


What type of requirements can you put on parents under these new orders?

Parents may be required to attend parenting guidance counselling, support groups or rehabilitation programs.

They may have to ensure their child attends school, ensure their child is home by a certain time or that the child avoids contact with a particular person or place.

Parents will have assistance to access support programs.


Are Parental Responsibility Orders voluntary?

Substantial efforts will be made to engage with parents on a voluntary basis. Should this not succeed, an agency may seek a Parental Responsibility Order through the court.



For further information on the legislation

Department of Justice
Telephone: 61 8 8935 7672
Website Email: dojwebmanager.doj@nt.gov.au
Note : Use of the wording Parental Responsibility Orders on this page refers to the wording Family Responsibility Orders in the Act.